Milwaukee vs Minneapolis

Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Minnesota Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Milwaukee charges $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee for STR licensing, while Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee. Milwaukee renewal is annual, and Minneapolis renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Milwaukee, hosts pay 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). In Minneapolis, hosts pay 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Milwaukee face penalties including $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses. In Minneapolis, violations can result in Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Dept. of Neighborhood Services — (414) 286-2268

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.

Contact: Inspections Services Division — (612) 673-3000

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Milwaukee and Minneapolis have day limits for Airbnb?
Milwaukee has no annual day limit. Minneapolis has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Milwaukee or Minneapolis?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Milwaukee charges $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee for permits with 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) in taxes. Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee with 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). Automatic tax collection in Milwaukee and Minneapolis makes compliance easier for beginners.