Austin vs Denver
Texas Legal but Limited | Colorado Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Denver, Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $100 license fee |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible | $999/day for unlicensed operation |
| Verdict | Denver 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
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Denver 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 →Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Denver?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Denver is "Legal with Permit." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $100 license fee in Denver.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Denver?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/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. Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation.