Minneapolis vs San Francisco
Minnesota Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Minneapolis, Minnesota | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $64 short-term rental registration fee | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Minneapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
Minneapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Minneapolis guide →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Minneapolis or San Francisco?
Minneapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Minneapolis's permit fee is $64 short-term rental registration fee compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Minneapolis or San Francisco?
Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.