Raleigh vs Washington DC
North Carolina Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Raleigh, North Carolina | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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 | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Raleigh or Washington DC?
Raleigh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Raleigh's permit fee is ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Raleigh or Washington DC?
Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.