Salt Lake City vs Seattle
Utah Effectively Banned | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Salt Lake City, Utah | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Contact city for current details | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle 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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Salt Lake City or Seattle?
Salt Lake City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Salt Lake City's permit fee is Contact city for current details compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Salt Lake City or Seattle?
Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT), while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.