Boston vs Dallas
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | Texas Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Dallas, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $285 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unregistered listing | $500–$2,000/violation |
| Verdict | Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing
Dallas, Texas
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $285 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500–$2,000/violation
Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Boston Overview
Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.
Full Boston guide →Dallas Overview
Dallas banned non-owner-occupied STRs in residential single-family zoning districts effective April 2023. Owner-occupied or 'hosted' stays and multifamily/commercial zoning remain allowed with registration.
Full Dallas guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Dallas?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Dallas is "Restricted." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $285 registration fee in Dallas.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Dallas?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Dallas charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Dallas: $500–$2,000/violation.