Palm Springs vs San Francisco
California Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Palm Springs, California | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| 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 | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| 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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
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 →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Palm Springs or San Francisco?
Palm Springs is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Palm Springs's permit fee is $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Palm Springs or San Francisco?
Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. 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 Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.