Indianapolis vs San Antonio

Indiana Legal with Permit | Texas Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
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.

Permits & Licensing

Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for STR licensing, while San Antonio charges Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee. Indianapolis renewal is annual, and San Antonio renewal is triennial (every 3 years). Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Indianapolis, hosts pay 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). In San Antonio, hosts pay 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Indianapolis face penalties including Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. In San Antonio, violations can result in Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Indianapolis Overview

Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.

Contact: Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services — (317) 327-8700

Full Indianapolis 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.

Contact: Development Services Department — (210) 207-1111

Full San Antonio guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Indianapolis or San Antonio?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Antonio is "Legal with Permit." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee in San Antonio. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or San Antonio?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Indianapolis and San Antonio have day limits for Airbnb?
Indianapolis has no annual day limit. San Antonio has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Indianapolis or San Antonio?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for permits with 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) in taxes. San Antonio charges Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee with 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county). Automatic tax collection in Indianapolis and San Antonio makes compliance easier for beginners.