Nashville vs Phoenix
Tennessee Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Nashville, Tennessee | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $313 permit fee | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax | ~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 | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| Verdict | Phoenix has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations
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
Phoenix has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Nashville Overview
Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.
Full Nashville 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 Nashville or Phoenix?
Nashville is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Nashville's permit fee is $313 permit fee compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Nashville or Phoenix?
Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax, 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?
Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.