San Antonio vs San Francisco
Texas Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Antonio, Texas | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Triennial (every 3 years) | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | San Antonio has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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 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
San Antonio has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →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 San Antonio or San Francisco?
San Antonio is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." San Antonio's permit fee is Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Antonio or San Francisco?
San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county), 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?
San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.