New York City vs San Antonio
New York Effectively Banned | Texas Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New York City, New York | San Antonio, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee |
| Tax Rate | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Triennial (every 3 years) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations | Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years |
| Verdict | San Antonio has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent 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
San Antonio has more favorable STR regulations overall.
New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City 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 New York City or San Antonio?
New York City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while San Antonio is "Legal with Permit." New York City's permit fee is $145 registration fee (OSE) compared to Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee in San Antonio.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New York City or San Antonio?
New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax, 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?
New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years.