Portland vs San Francisco

Oregon Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) for STR licensing, while San Francisco charges $450 registration fee. Portland renewal is every 2 years, and San Francisco renewal is every 2 years. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal but Limited."

Tax Obligations

In Portland, hosts pay 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. In San Francisco, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

San Francisco imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Portland has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

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 San Francisco, violations can result in $1,000/day for illegal hosting. 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 →

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.

Contact: SF Office of Short-Term Rentals — (415) 575-9179

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Portland and San Francisco have day limits for Airbnb?
Portland has no annual day limit. San Francisco limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Portland or San Francisco?
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. San Francisco charges $450 registration fee with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Automatic tax collection in Portland and San Francisco makes compliance easier for beginners.