San Antonio vs Seattle
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Antonio, Texas | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Triennial (every 3 years) | Annual |
| 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 | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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 Seattle charges $75/year short-term rental operator license. San Antonio renewal is triennial (every 3 years), and Seattle 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 Seattle, hosts pay 15.6% combined lodging 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 Seattle, violations can result in $500/day for operating without a license. 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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Contact: Seattle Finance & Admin Services — (206) 684-8484
Full Seattle guide →