Phoenix vs Scottsdale
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Phoenix, Arizona | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250/year (non-refundable) | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Permits & Licensing
Phoenix charges $250/year (non-refundable) for STR licensing, while Scottsdale charges $250/year. Phoenix renewal is annual, and Scottsdale renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."
Tax Obligations
In Phoenix, hosts pay ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). In Scottsdale, hosts pay ~14.27% combined transient occupancy 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 Phoenix face penalties including $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations. In Scottsdale, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months. 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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Contact: Scottsdale Code Enforcement — (480) 312-2546
Full Scottsdale guide →