Minneapolis vs Salt Lake City

Minnesota Legal with Permit | Utah Effectively Banned

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

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Minneapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Minneapolis renewal is annual, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Minneapolis has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Minneapolis, hosts pay 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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 Minneapolis face penalties including Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. In Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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 →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Minneapolis or Salt Lake City?
Minneapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Minneapolis's permit fee is $64 short-term rental registration fee compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Overall, Minneapolis has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Minneapolis or Salt Lake City?
Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined), while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Minneapolis and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Minneapolis has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Minneapolis or Salt Lake City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee for permits with 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined) in taxes. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Minneapolis and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.