Milwaukee vs Phoenix
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| 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
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
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 →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 Milwaukee or Phoenix?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or Phoenix?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined), 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?
Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.