Houston vs Scottsdale
Texas Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| 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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Houston or Scottsdale?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Scottsdale?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.