Houston vs Salt Lake City
Texas Legal with Permit | Utah Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Salt Lake City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | Contact city for current details |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines |
| 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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
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 →Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Houston or Salt Lake City?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Salt Lake City?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines.