Austin vs Honolulu
Texas Legal but Limited | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| 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 | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| 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
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
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 →Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Honolulu?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Honolulu?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). 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. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.