Dallas vs Indianapolis
Texas Restricted | Indiana Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Dallas, Texas | Indianapolis, Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $285 registration fee | $150 one-time registration fee per property |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation | Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations |
| Verdict | Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Indianapolis Overview
Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.
Full Indianapolis guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Dallas or Indianapolis?
Dallas is classified as "Restricted" while Indianapolis is "Legal with Permit." Dallas's permit fee is $285 registration fee compared to $150 one-time registration fee per property in Indianapolis.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Dallas or Indianapolis?
Dallas charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Dallas: $500–$2,000/violation. Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations.