Asheville vs Austin
North Carolina Restricted | Texas Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Austin, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible |
| Verdict | Austin has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
Austin, Texas
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead)
Tax Rate 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible
Austin has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Asheville Overview
Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.
Full Asheville guide →Austin Overview
Type 1 (owner-occupied) is allowed citywide. Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) licenses are no longer issued in residential areas — existing Type 2 licenses expire April 2027.
Full Austin guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Austin?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Austin is "Legal but Limited." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) in Austin.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Austin?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Austin: $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible.