San Antonio vs Washington DC
Texas Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Antonio, Texas | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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 | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| 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
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
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 →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 San Antonio or Washington DC?
San Antonio is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC 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 $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Antonio or Washington DC?
San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county), 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?
San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.