Kansas City vs Los Angeles
Missouri Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Kansas City, Missouri | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $250/year permit fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/offense for operating without permit | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| Verdict | Kansas City has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Kansas City, Missouri
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year permit fee
Tax Rate 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500/offense for operating without permit
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Kansas City has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Kansas City Overview
Short-term rental permits required for all listings. Both owner-occupied and investor-owned properties are eligible. Must maintain guest registry and provide local emergency contact within 30 minutes.
Full Kansas City guide →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Kansas City or Los Angeles?
Kansas City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Kansas City's permit fee is $250/year permit fee compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Kansas City or Los Angeles?
Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax, while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Kansas City: $500/offense for operating without permit. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).