Portland vs Seattle
Oregon Legal but Limited | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Portland, Oregon | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle 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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Portland or Seattle?
Portland is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Portland's permit fee is $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Portland or Seattle?
Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state, while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.