Phoenix vs Portland
Arizona Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Phoenix, Arizona | Portland, Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $250/year (non-refundable) | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) |
| Tax Rate | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) | 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban |
| Verdict | Phoenix has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
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
Phoenix has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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.
Full Phoenix 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 Phoenix or Portland?
Phoenix is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Phoenix's permit fee is $250/year (non-refundable) compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Phoenix or Portland?
Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city), 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?
Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban.