Houston vs Portland
Texas Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Portland, Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban |
| 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
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban
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 →Portland Overview
Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.
Full Portland guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Houston or Portland?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Portland?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban.