Santa Clarita vs Santa Monica
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Santa Clarita, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Santa Clarita has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Clarita STR operators must collect and remit the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all rentals of 30 days or less. California state sales tax may also apply. Platforms like Airbnb may collect some taxes automatically.
View full Santa Clarita rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica imposes a 17% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on home-sharing rentals, effective March 2023. Hosts must also obtain a business license (Tax Rate Group III: $75 base on first $60,000, plus 0.3% above). Airbnb pays the City $2 per night booked under a settlement agreement.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Clarita | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) | - |
| Applies To | Rentals of 30 days or less | - |
| Registration | City finance department | - |
| Platforms | May auto-collect some taxes | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 17% of room charges |
| Business License | - | $75 base + 0.3% over $60K |
| Airbnb Fee | - | $2/night to City |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 6.20, Ch. 6.08 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Clarita FAQ
Do I have to pay hotel tax on my Airbnb in Santa Clarita?
Yes. The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies to all short-term rentals of 30 days or less. Register with the city finance department.
Santa Monica FAQ
What taxes do Santa Monica home-share hosts pay?
A 17% Transient Occupancy Tax on all room charges, plus a business license fee of $75 on the first $60,000 in gross receipts (0.3% on amounts above $60,000).
Does Airbnb collect TOT in Santa Monica?
Under the 2019 settlement, Airbnb pays the City $2 per night booked. Hosts should verify whether the full 17% TOT is being collected and remitted by their platform or if they need to file separately.
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