Palm Springs vs San Diego
California Legal but Limited | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Palm Springs, California | San Diego, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate | Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) | 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 20 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Biennial |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension | $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations |
| Verdict | San Diego has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
San Diego, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)
Tax Rate 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)
Day Limit 20 days/year
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations
San Diego has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →San Diego Overview
Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.
Full San Diego guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Palm Springs or San Diego?
Palm Springs is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Diego is "Legal with Permit." Palm Springs's permit fee is $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate compared to Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) in San Diego.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Palm Springs or San Diego?
Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID), while San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center). 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. San Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations.