Salt Lake City vs San Francisco
Utah Effectively Banned | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Salt Lake City, Utah | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Contact city for current details | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | San Francisco has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
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
San Francisco has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake City 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.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Salt Lake City or San Francisco?
Salt Lake City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Salt Lake City's permit fee is Contact city for current details compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Salt Lake City or San Francisco?
Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT), while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.