Kansas City vs Palm Springs
Missouri Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Kansas City, Missouri | Palm Springs, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $250/year permit fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate |
| Tax Rate | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/offense for operating without permit | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension |
| 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
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
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 →Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Kansas City or Palm Springs?
Kansas City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." Kansas City's permit fee is $250/year permit fee compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Kansas City or Palm Springs?
Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax, while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). 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. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension.