Indianapolis vs Raleigh
Indiana Legal with Permit | North Carolina Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Indianapolis, Indiana | Raleigh, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $150 one-time registration fee per property | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Indianapolis Overview
Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.
Full Indianapolis guide →Raleigh Overview
STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
Full Raleigh guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Indianapolis or Raleigh?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Raleigh is "Legal with Permit." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal in Raleigh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or Raleigh?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible.