Milwaukee vs Minneapolis
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Minnesota Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | $64 short-term rental registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) | 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses | Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $64 short-term rental registration fee
Tax Rate 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Minneapolis Overview
Owners limited to one STR property plus their homesteaded residence; buildings with 20+ units capped at 10% STR units. $300,000 liability insurance and neighbor notification required.
Full Minneapolis guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Milwaukee or Minneapolis?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Minneapolis is "Legal with Permit." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to $64 short-term rental registration fee in Minneapolis.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or Minneapolis?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined), while Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses. Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses.