Portland vs Salt Lake City
Oregon Legal but Limited | Utah Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Portland, Oregon | Salt Lake City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) | Contact city for current details |
| Tax Rate | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines |
| Verdict | Portland has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
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
Portland 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 →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.
Full Salt Lake City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Portland or Salt Lake City?
Portland is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Portland's permit fee is $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Portland or Salt Lake City?
Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines.