Las Vegas vs San Francisco
Nevada Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Las Vegas, Nevada | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Las Vegas or San Francisco?
Las Vegas is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Las Vegas's permit fee is $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Las Vegas or San Francisco?
Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. 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. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.