Austin vs Portland
Texas Legal but Limited | Oregon Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Portland, Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% 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 | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban |
| 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
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban
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 →Portland Overview
Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.
Full Portland guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Portland?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Portland?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% 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. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban.