San Antonio vs Scottsdale

Texas Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

San Antonio charges Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee for STR licensing, while Scottsdale charges $250/year. San Antonio renewal is triennial (every 3 years), and Scottsdale renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In San Antonio, hosts pay 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county). In Scottsdale, hosts pay ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in San Antonio face penalties including Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. In Scottsdale, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Development Services Department — (210) 207-1111

Full San Antonio guide →

Scottsdale Overview

Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.

Contact: Scottsdale Code Enforcement — (480) 312-2546

Full Scottsdale guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in San Antonio or Scottsdale?
San Antonio is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." San Antonio's permit fee is Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee compared to $250/year in Scottsdale. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Antonio or Scottsdale?
San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county), while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city).
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. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do San Antonio and Scottsdale have day limits for Airbnb?
San Antonio has no annual day limit. Scottsdale has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — San Antonio or Scottsdale?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: San Antonio charges Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee for permits with 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) in taxes. Scottsdale charges $250/year with ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in San Antonio and Scottsdale makes compliance easier for beginners.