New York City vs Palm Springs
New York Effectively Banned | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New York City, New York | Palm Springs, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate |
| Tax Rate | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension |
| Verdict | Palm Springs has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
Palm Springs has more favorable STR regulations overall.
New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in New York City or Palm Springs?
New York City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." New York City's permit fee is $145 registration fee (OSE) compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New York City or Palm Springs?
New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax, while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension.