Short-term rental & Airbnb taxes in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
Short-term rental guests in Milwaukee pay roughly 17.9% in combined occupancy and lodging taxes. Here's the itemized breakdown, who collects each one, and what you may need to remit yourself.
Itemized tax rates
| Tax | Rate | Who collects |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin state sales taxApplies to lodging furnished for less than 30 days. Marketplace providers (Airbnb/Vrbo) must collect and remit on the entire amount charged. | 5% | platform |
| Milwaukee County sales and use taxIncreased from 0.5% to 0.9% effective January 1, 2024 (2023 Wis. Act 12). | 0.9% | platform |
| City of Milwaukee sales and use taxNew 2% city sales tax effective January 1, 2024 (2023 Wis. Act 12). | 2% | platform |
| Local exposition district basic room tax (Wisconsin Center District)Applies to lodging furnished in Milwaukee County for a continuous period of less than one month; administered by WI DOR. Marketplace providers are liable for local exposition taxes on facilitated lodging sales. | 3% | platform |
| Local exposition district additional room tax (City of Milwaukee only)Imposed on receipts subject to the 3% basic room tax when lodging is furnished in the City of Milwaukee. Combined lodging tax burden in the city is approximately 17.9%. | 7% | platform |
What will guests pay on a Milwaukee stay?
Enter a nightly rate to see the itemized occupancy-tax cost.
Milwaukee occupancy tax calculator
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Wisconsin state sales tax (5%)· usually collected by platform | $22.50 |
| Milwaukee County sales and use tax (0.9%)· usually collected by platform | $4.05 |
| City of Milwaukee sales and use tax (2%)· usually collected by platform | $9.00 |
| Local exposition district basic room tax (Wisconsin Center District) (3%)· usually collected by platform | $13.50 |
| Local exposition district additional room tax (City of Milwaukee only) (7%)· usually collected by platform | $31.50 |
| Total tax (17.9%) | $80.55 |
| Guest pays | $530.55 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
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Verified July 21, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax rates and collection rules change; confirm current requirements with Milwaukee and your booking platform.