Portland vs Sacramento

Oregon Legal but Limited | California Legal with Permit

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

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
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

Sacramento has more favorable STR regulations overall.

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 →

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 Portland or Sacramento?
Portland is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." Portland's permit fee is $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Portland or Sacramento?
Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state, 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?
Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.