Austin vs Charleston
Texas Legal but Limited | South Carolina Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Charleston, South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible |
| Verdict | Austin has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
Austin has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Charleston?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Charleston is "Restricted." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee in Charleston.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Charleston?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Austin: $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible. Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible.