Milwaukee vs Nashville
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Tennessee Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Nashville, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | $313 permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) | 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax |
| 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 | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations |
| Verdict | Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations
Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Nashville Overview
Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.
Full Nashville guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Milwaukee or Nashville?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Nashville is "Legal but Limited." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to $313 permit fee in Nashville.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or Nashville?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined), while Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax. 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. Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations.