Los Angeles vs Milwaukee
California Legal but Limited | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Los Angeles, California | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Los Angeles or Milwaukee?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Milwaukee?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.