Phoenix vs Sacramento
Arizona Legal with Permit | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Phoenix, Arizona | Sacramento, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250/year (non-refundable) | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax |
| Tax Rate | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations | Contact city for current details |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Phoenix or Sacramento?
Phoenix is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." Phoenix's permit fee is $250/year (non-refundable) compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Phoenix or Sacramento?
Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city), while Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments. 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. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.