Austin vs Los Angeles
Texas Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Los Angeles?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Los Angeles?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy 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. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).