Phoenix vs Salt Lake City

Arizona Legal with Permit | Utah Effectively Banned

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

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Phoenix has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Phoenix renewal is annual, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Phoenix has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Phoenix, hosts pay ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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 Phoenix face penalties including $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. In Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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 →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Phoenix or Salt Lake City?
Phoenix is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Phoenix's permit fee is $250/year (non-refundable) compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Overall, Phoenix has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Phoenix or Salt Lake City?
Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city), while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
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. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Phoenix and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Phoenix has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Phoenix or Salt Lake City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) for permits with ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) in taxes. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Phoenix and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.