Park City vs San Francisco
Utah Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Park City, Utah | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) | 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 | Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
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
Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Park City 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 Park City or San Francisco?
Park City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Park City's permit fee is $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Park City or San Francisco?
Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT), 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?
Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.