San Francisco vs Scottsdale
California Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Francisco, California | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $450 registration fee | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for illegal hosting | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| Verdict | Scottsdale has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
Scottsdale has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in San Francisco or Scottsdale?
San Francisco is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." San Francisco's permit fee is $450 registration fee compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Francisco or Scottsdale?
San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.