Detroit vs San Antonio

Michigan Legal but Limited | Texas Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
San Antonio, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee
Tax Rate 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Triennial (every 3 years)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years

San Antonio has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for STR licensing, while San Antonio charges Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee. Detroit renewal is annual, and San Antonio renewal is triennial (every 3 years). Overall, San Antonio has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Detroit (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Detroit, hosts pay 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). In San Antonio, hosts pay 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Detroit imposes a 90-night annual limit, while San Antonio has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Detroit face penalties including Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. In San Antonio, violations can result in Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Detroit Overview

90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.

Contact: BSEED — (313) 224-2733

Full Detroit guide →

San Antonio Overview

Two-tier permit system (Type 1 owner-occupied, Type 2 investment). Type 2 STRs capped at 12.5% of housing per blockface; platforms must remove listings without valid permit numbers.

Contact: Development Services Department — (210) 207-1111

Full San Antonio guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or San Antonio?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Antonio is "Legal with Permit." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee in San Antonio. Overall, San Antonio has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or San Antonio?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Detroit and San Antonio have day limits for Airbnb?
Detroit limits STRs to 90 nights per year. San Antonio has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Detroit or San Antonio?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for permits with 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) in taxes. San Antonio charges Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee with 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county). Automatic tax collection in Detroit and San Antonio makes compliance easier for beginners.