Austin vs Dallas
Texas Legal but Limited | Texas Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Dallas, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $285 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) |
| 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 | $500–$2,000/violation |
| 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
Dallas, Texas
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $285 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500–$2,000/violation
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 →Dallas Overview
Dallas banned non-owner-occupied STRs in residential single-family zoning districts effective April 2023. Owner-occupied or 'hosted' stays and multifamily/commercial zoning remain allowed with registration.
Full Dallas guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Dallas?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Dallas is "Restricted." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $285 registration fee in Dallas.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Dallas?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Dallas charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state). 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. Dallas: $500–$2,000/violation.