Raleigh vs San Francisco
North Carolina Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Raleigh, North Carolina | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Raleigh has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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 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
Raleigh has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 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 Raleigh or San Francisco?
Raleigh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Raleigh's permit fee is ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Raleigh or San Francisco?
Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy 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?
Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.