Charleston vs Houston
South Carolina Restricted | Texas Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charleston, South Carolina | Houston, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee | $90 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible | $500/day for non-compliance |
| Verdict | Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
Houston, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $90 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for non-compliance
Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston guide →Houston Overview
Houston has no zoning code, so STRs are broadly permitted. Hosts must register, collect HOT, and meet fire-safety and parking standards. Deed-restricted communities may impose additional restrictions.
Full Houston guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charleston or Houston?
Charleston is classified as "Restricted" while Houston is "Legal with Permit." Charleston's permit fee is $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee compared to $90 registration fee in Houston.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charleston or Houston?
Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes), while Houston 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?
Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. Houston: $500/day for non-compliance.