Portland vs Salt Lake City

Oregon Legal but Limited | Utah Effectively Banned

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Portland renewal is every 2 years, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Portland has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Portland, hosts pay 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. 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 Portland face penalties including Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. 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.

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.

Contact: Portland Permitting & Development — (503) 823-2633

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.

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

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. Overall, Portland has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Portland and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Portland has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Portland or Salt Lake City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) for permits with 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state 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 Portland and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.