Las Vegas vs Salt Lake City
Nevada Legal but Limited | Utah Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Las Vegas, Nevada | Salt Lake City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) | Contact city for current details |
| Tax Rate | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines |
| Verdict | Las Vegas has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Las Vegas, Nevada
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification)
Tax Rate 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation
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
Las Vegas has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Las Vegas Overview
Only owner-occupied (hosted) rentals are permitted; the owner must reside on-site during each rental day. Properties must be at least 660 feet from another STR and 2,500 feet from a resort hotel. Limited to 3 bedrooms max. Requires $500,000 liability insurance.
Full Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas or Salt Lake City?
Las Vegas is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Las Vegas's permit fee is $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Las Vegas or Salt Lake City?
Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County), 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?
Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines.