Los Angeles vs Phoenix
California Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Los Angeles, California | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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) | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| Verdict | Phoenix 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)
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
Phoenix 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 →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 Los Angeles or Phoenix?
Los Angeles is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Los Angeles's permit fee is $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Los Angeles or Phoenix?
Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy 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?
Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.