Houston vs Jersey City
Texas Legal with Permit | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 60 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| Verdict | Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Jersey City, New Jersey
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal
Tax Rate 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee
Day Limit 60 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations
Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Jersey City Overview
Adopted after 2019 voter referendum. Owner-occupied only — tenants and rent-controlled units prohibited. Unhosted stays capped at 60 nights/year. Only buildings with fewer than 4 units eligible.
Full Jersey City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Houston or Jersey City?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Jersey City?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.