Park City vs Phoenix

Utah Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses
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

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for STR licensing, while Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable). Park City renewal is annual, and Phoenix renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Park City, hosts pay ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). In Phoenix, hosts pay ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Park City face penalties including Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. In Phoenix, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Park City Overview

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Contact: Park City Finance Department — (435) 615-5231

Full Park City 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.

Contact: Phoenix Planning & Development — (602) 534-9723

Full Phoenix guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Park City or Phoenix?
Park City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Park City's permit fee is $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Park City or Phoenix?
Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT), while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Park City and Phoenix have day limits for Airbnb?
Park City has no annual day limit. Phoenix has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Park City or Phoenix?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for permits with ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) in taxes. Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) with ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Park City and Phoenix makes compliance easier for beginners.