Sacramento vs Washington DC
California Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Sacramento, California | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Contact city for current details | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Sacramento has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Sacramento has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Sacramento or Washington DC?
Sacramento is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Sacramento's permit fee is $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Sacramento or Washington DC?
Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Sacramento: Contact city for current details. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.