Raleigh vs San Antonio
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Texas Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Raleigh, North Carolina | San Antonio, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Triennial (every 3 years) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible | Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible
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.
Raleigh Overview
STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
Full Raleigh 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 Raleigh or San Antonio?
Raleigh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Antonio is "Legal with Permit." Raleigh's permit fee is ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal compared to Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee in San Antonio.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Raleigh or San Antonio?
Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy 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?
Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible. San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years.