Anaheim vs Costa Mesa
How do transient occupancy tax rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?
Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Anaheim.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim charges hotel guests a 15% Transient Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 days, one of California's highest TOT rates, funding the Anaheim Resort, public safety, and general fund operations.
View full Anaheim rules →Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Orange County levies a Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays under 30 days within unincorporated areas, collected by operators and remitted to the County Treasurer-Tax Collector quarterly.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| TOT rate | 15% | - |
| Stay threshold | Under 30 days | - |
| Remittance | Monthly to Treasurer | - |
| Late penalty | 10% plus interest | - |
| Annual revenue | Approximately $200 million | - |
| Code | - | OCCO Title 2 Ch. 2-3 |
| Applies to | - | Unincorporated area only |
| Threshold | - | Stays 30 days or fewer |
| Filing | - | Quarterly returns |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Does TOT apply to Airbnb stays?
Anaheim bans non-hosted short-term rentals citywide, but any permitted lodging under 30 days is subject to the full 15% TOT collected by the operator.
Are long-term stays exempt?
Yes. Stays of 30 consecutive days or more at the same property are exempt, as are federal employees on official government business with proper documentation.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Does OC's TOT apply inside Anaheim hotels near Disneyland?
No. Anaheim is incorporated and levies its own TOT separately. The County TOT covers only unincorporated lodging like Coto de Caza or Silverado short-term rentals.
Are stays longer than 30 days taxed?
No. Once a guest occupies the same lodging for more than 30 consecutive days, the stay becomes non-transient and TOT no longer applies for that period.
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