Utah Short Term Rental Guide 2026: STR Laws, Best Markets & Profit Potential

Utah’s booming tourism economy — anchored by five national parks, world-class ski resorts, and a year-round outdoor recreation calendar — makes it one of the highest-yield short-term rental (STR) markets in the country. But navigating Utah’s patchwork of city-level regulations is essential before you buy. This guide covers the best Utah STR markets, current regulations city by city, and how to run the numbers on a Airbnb investment in 2026.

Why Utah is One of the Best STR States

Utah drew over 27 million visitors in 2025. The demand is divided into two distinct seasons — ski season (November through April in northern Utah) and national park season (April through October in southern Utah) — which means the best STR markets in the state run close to year-round. Average daily rates (ADRs) for STRs near Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Park City consistently rank among the top 10% nationally.

Utah STR Regulations by City (2026)

Park City / Summit County: Park City has among the most permissive STR regulations in the state. Nightly rentals are allowed in most zones with a business license and a local contact requirement. Summit County (outside city limits) follows a county ordinance. License fees: $250–$500/year. No cap on licenses as of 2026.

Salt Lake City: STRs are allowed only in owner-occupied properties (the host must live on-site). This effectively eliminates non-owner-occupied investment STRs within SLC city limits. Consider SLC suburbs — West Jordan, Cottonwood Heights, and Murray — which have less restrictive ordinances.

Moab / Grand County: Moab allows STRs with a license in most zones, but has implemented density caps in some residential areas following rapid STR growth. License renewal required annually. The county has signaled potential tightening. Get in now while licenses are still available.

St. George / Washington County: One of the most STR-friendly jurisdictions in the state. Licenses widely available, reasonable fees, and the market benefits from year-round demand (warm weather + national park proximity). Strong appreciation trajectory makes it a dual-purpose buy.

Springdale (Zion gateway): Very restrictive — Springdale has capped STR licenses and there is a waiting list. Properties that already have an STR license command a significant premium. Focus on nearby La Verkin or Hurricane instead.

Kanab: Emerging gateway community to Grand Staircase-Escalante and the Arizona Strip. STR regulations are moderate, license availability is good, and pricing is significantly lower than Moab or Springdale. High upside potential.

Best Utah Markets for STR Investing in 2026

Park City — Ski Season Premium: Park City STRs average $350–$700/night during ski season. Annual gross revenues of $80,000–$150,000+ are achievable for well-located properties. Entry prices are high ($700K–$2M+), but STR income makes the math work for the right property. The new Deer Valley East Village expansion (opening 2025–2026) is expanding the high-season window.

Moab — National Park Cash Flow: Properties within 10 minutes of Arches NP entrance generate consistent summer bookings. ADRs run $200–$450/night. Annual occupancy of 65–80% is achievable for well-reviewed properties. Purchase prices in the $400K–$700K range make this more accessible than Park City.

St. George — Year-Round Growth Market: 300 days of sunshine and proximity to Zion (45 min), Bryce Canyon (2 hours), and the Las Vegas corridor. STRs here run $150–$350/night with 65–75% annual occupancy. The fastest-growing metro in Utah means strong long-term appreciation even if STR regulations tighten.

Brian Head / Cedar City: Small ski area with lower entry prices than Park City. Cabins in Brian Head regularly gross $40,000–$70,000/year. Cedar City’s Utah Shakespeare Festival drives off-season demand.

How to Analyze a Utah STR Deal

Use this simplified STR cash flow model for any Utah property:

• Annual Gross Revenue: Use AirDNA, Rabbu, or Mashvisor to pull actual revenue data for comparable listings in the same market.
• Vacancy Rate: Subtract 15–25% for non-booked nights, cleaning turnover, and seasonal gaps.
• Operating Expenses: STR management fee (20–30% if using a co-host), cleaning costs ($100–$200/turn), platform fees (3%), utilities, HOA, insurance, maintenance.
• Net Operating Income (NOI): Gross revenue minus all operating expenses.
• Cap Rate: NOI ÷ Purchase Price. A Utah STR cap rate of 5–8% is solid; 8%+ is excellent.

STR Financing in Utah

Most STR investors use one of three financing approaches: conventional investment mortgages (20–25% down), DSCR loans (which underwrite based on projected rental income, not personal income), or hard money for a quick acquisition followed by a refinance into a DSCR loan once the property is stabilized. DSCR loans are the most flexible option for STR properties since lenders increasingly accept STR income projections from AirDNA in the underwriting process.