Taxes & Fees: Monterey vs Salinas
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Monterey and Salinas have similar restriction levels.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Operators of vacation rentals in unincorporated Monterey County must collect a 10.5% Transient Occupancy Tax (Monterey County Code Chapter 5.40) on all stays of 30 days or fewer, hold a Vacation Rental Operation License (VROL) under Chapter 7.120, and maintain a County Business License. Commercial Vacation Rentals (CVRs) additionally require a discretionary Use Permit (Inland) or Coastal Development Permit (Coastal Zone) with substantially higher fees.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
Salinas collects Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on stays under 30 days. Rate varies by city (typically 10 to 14%). Platforms auto-collect in many jurisdictions.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 10.5% on stays of 30 days or fewer (Monterey Co. Code Ch. 5.40) | 10% |
| VROL Initial Fee | Approximately $1,100 (Monterey Co. Code Ch. 7.120; Master Fee Schedule) | - |
| Business License | $207 first year / $115 annual renewal (Treasurer-Tax Collector) | - |
| CVR Use Permit (Inland) | Approximately $8,000; valid up to 7 years | - |
| Coastal Development Permit (CVR) | Approximately $14,000; valid up to 7 years | - |
| Platform Collection | Airbnb/Vrbo do NOT auto-collect TOT for Monterey County; operator must remit directly | - |
| Platforms | - | Auto-collect |
| Filing | - | Quarterly |
| Topic | - | Taxes Fees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
What taxes and fees do I have to pay to run a vacation rental in unincorporated Monterey County?
You must (1) collect 10.5% Transient Occupancy Tax under County Code Chapter 5.40 and remit it monthly to the Treasurer-Tax Collector, (2) pay an initial VROL fee of about $1,100 plus annual renewal under Chapter 7.120, and (3) hold a County Business License at $207 first year / $115 renewal. Commercial Vacation Rentals add an Inland Use Permit (~$8,000) or Coastal Development Permit (~$14,000).
Do Airbnb or Vrbo collect the 10.5% TOT for me?
No. Unlike some California counties, neither Airbnb nor Vrbo currently auto-collects Monterey County TOT. The operator is solely responsible for registering with the Treasurer-Tax Collector, collecting 10.5% from each guest, and filing monthly returns. Failure to remit triggers penalty and interest under Chapter 5.40.
Salinas FAQ
What tax do I owe on rentals?
Salinas Transient Occupancy Tax applies to stays under 30 days. Check the city’s current rate.
Does Airbnb handle tax collection?
Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect TOT in many California cities. Verify with Salinas finance department.
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