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.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details for STR licensing, while San Francisco charges $450 registration fee. Salt Lake City renewal is annual, and San Francisco renewal is every 2 years. Overall, San Francisco has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). In San Francisco, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

San Francisco imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Salt Lake City has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Salt Lake City face penalties including Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. In San Francisco, violations can result in $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

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.

Contact: SF Office of Short-Term Rentals — (415) 575-9179

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. Overall, San Francisco has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Salt Lake City and San Francisco have day limits for Airbnb?
Salt Lake City has no annual day limit. San Francisco limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Salt Lake City or San Francisco?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details for permits with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) in taxes. San Francisco charges $450 registration fee with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Automatic tax collection in Salt Lake City and San Francisco makes compliance easier for beginners.