Palm Springs vs Portland
California Legal but Limited | Oregon Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Palm Springs, California | Portland, Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Portland Overview
Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.
Full Portland guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Palm Springs or Portland?
Palm Springs is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Palm Springs's permit fee is $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Palm Springs or Portland?
Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID), while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban.