Austin vs Washington DC
Texas Legal but Limited | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Austin or Washington DC?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Washington DC?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.