Nashville vs San Francisco
Tennessee Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Nashville, Tennessee | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $313 permit fee | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Nashville Overview
Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.
Full Nashville guide →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Nashville or San Francisco?
Nashville is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Nashville's permit fee is $313 permit fee compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Nashville or San Francisco?
Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax, while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.