Columbus vs Dallas
Ohio Legal with Permit | Texas Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Dallas, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $285 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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 | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | $500–$2,000/violation |
| Verdict | Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
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
Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus 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 Columbus or Dallas?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Dallas is "Restricted." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $285 registration fee in Dallas.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Dallas?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Dallas: $500–$2,000/violation.