Houston vs San Antonio
Texas Legal with Permit | Texas Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | San Antonio, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Triennial (every 3 years) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years |
| 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
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
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 →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.
Full San Antonio guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Houston or San Antonio?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Antonio is "Legal with Permit." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee in San Antonio.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or San Antonio?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years.