Portland vs San Francisco
Oregon Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Portland, Oregon | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Portland or San Francisco?
Portland is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Portland's permit fee is $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Portland or San Francisco?
Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state, while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. 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. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.