Houston vs Milwaukee
Texas Legal with Permit | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $90 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →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 Houston or Milwaukee?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Milwaukee?
Houston 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?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.