Sacramento vs Scottsdale
California Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Sacramento, California | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Contact city for current details | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Sacramento or Scottsdale?
Sacramento is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Sacramento's permit fee is $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Sacramento or Scottsdale?
Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments, while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Sacramento: Contact city for current details. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.