Taxes & Fees: Mesa vs Phoenix
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix has fewer restrictions than Mesa.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa charges a $250 STR license fee and requires operators to collect and remit Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on all short-term stays under 30 days. A state TPT license is also required.
View full Mesa rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix STR operators pay a combined tax rate of approximately 12.57% (state + county + city TPT). State TPT license required. Platforms like Airbnb auto-collect Arizona TPT. Arizona eliminated residential rental tax starting 2025.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | $250 | - |
| TPT Required | On stays under 30 days | - |
| Processing Time | 7 business days | - |
| Long-Term Exempt | 30+ day stays (since Jan 2025) | - |
| Combined Rate | - | ~12.57% |
| TPT License | - | Required (ADOR) |
| Insurance | - | $500,000 liability |
| Platforms | - | Auto-collect AZ TPT |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
How much does a Mesa STR license cost?
The Mesa short-term rental license costs $250. You also need a state TPT license to collect and remit transaction privilege tax on rental income.
Do Mesa STR operators pay taxes on rental income?
Yes, all rental income from stays under 30 days is subject to city Transaction Privilege Tax. Stays of 30 or more days are exempt from city TPT as of January 2025.
Phoenix FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Phoenix?
Phoenix STR operators pay a combined tax rate of approximately 12.57% (state + county + city TPT). State TPT license required. Platforms like Airbnb auto-collect Arizona TPT. Arizona eliminated residential rental tax starting 2025.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Phoenix?
Combined Rate: ~12.57%. TPT License: Required (ADOR). Insurance: $500,000 liability. Platforms: Auto-collect AZ TPT.
Compare other topics
See how Mesa and Phoenix compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool