Portland vs Sedona

Oregon Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit

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
Sedona, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $210/year
Tax Rate 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit

Sedona has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) for STR licensing, while Sedona charges $210/year. Portland renewal is every 2 years, and Sedona renewal is annual. Overall, Sedona has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Portland (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 Sedona, hosts pay 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). 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 Sedona, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit. 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 →

Sedona Overview

Sedona straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties, so tax rates vary. Each unit needs its own permit. Special events (weddings, retreats) strictly prohibited. 24/7 complaint hotline: (928) 203-5110.

Contact: Sedona Community Development — (928) 203-5198

Full Sedona guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Portland or Sedona?
Portland is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Sedona is "Legal with Permit." Portland's permit fee is $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) compared to $210/year in Sedona. Overall, Sedona has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Portland or Sedona?
Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state, while Sedona charges 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino).
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. Sedona: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Portland and Sedona have day limits for Airbnb?
Portland has no annual day limit. Sedona has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Portland or Sedona?
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. Sedona charges $210/year with 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). Automatic tax collection in Portland and Sedona makes compliance easier for beginners.