Minneapolis vs Seattle
Minnesota Legal with Permit | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $64 short-term rental registration fee | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Minneapolis or Seattle?
Minneapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Minneapolis's permit fee is $64 short-term rental registration fee compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Minneapolis or Seattle?
Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.