San Diego vs Sedona
California Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Diego, California | Sedona, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) | $210/year |
| Tax Rate | 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) | 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino) |
| Annual Day Limit | 20 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
San Diego, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)
Tax Rate 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)
Day Limit 20 days/year
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations
Sedona, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $210/year
Tax Rate 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
San Diego Overview
Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.
Full San Diego guide →Sedona Overview
Sedona straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties, so tax rates vary. Each unit needs its own permit. Special events (weddings, retreats) strictly prohibited. 24/7 complaint hotline: (928) 203-5110.
Full Sedona guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in San Diego or Sedona?
San Diego is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Sedona is "Legal with Permit." San Diego's permit fee is Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) compared to $210/year in Sedona.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Diego or Sedona?
San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center), while Sedona charges 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
San Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations. Sedona: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit.