Kansas City vs Salt Lake City

Missouri Legal with Permit | Utah Effectively Banned

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

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 →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Kansas City or Salt Lake City?
Kansas City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Kansas City's permit fee is $250/year permit fee compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Kansas City or Salt Lake City?
Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines.