Kansas City vs Phoenix
Missouri Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Kansas City, Missouri | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250/year permit fee | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Phoenix Overview
Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.
Full Phoenix guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Kansas City or Phoenix?
Kansas City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Kansas City's permit fee is $250/year permit fee compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Kansas City or Phoenix?
Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax, while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.