Palm Springs vs San Antonio
California Legal but Limited | Texas Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Palm Springs, California | San Antonio, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) | 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 | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension | 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. | |
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
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.
Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or San Antonio?
Palm Springs is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Antonio is "Legal with Permit." Palm Springs's permit fee is $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate compared to Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee in San Antonio.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Palm Springs or San Antonio?
Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID), 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?
Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension. San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years.