Milwaukee vs New York City
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent 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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent 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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Milwaukee or New York City?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or New York City?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined), while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city 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. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.