Dallas vs Milwaukee
Texas Restricted | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Dallas, Texas | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $285 registration fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% 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 | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Milwaukee 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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Dallas or Milwaukee?
Dallas is classified as "Restricted" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Dallas's permit fee is $285 registration fee compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Dallas or Milwaukee?
Dallas charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Dallas: $500–$2,000/violation. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.