Austin vs Columbus
Texas Legal but Limited | Ohio Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Columbus, Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation |
| Verdict | Columbus 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
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
Columbus 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 →Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Columbus?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Columbus is "Legal with Permit." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) in Columbus.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Columbus?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. 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. Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation.