San Diego vs San Francisco
California Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Diego, California | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 20 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | San Diego has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
San Diego, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)
Tax Rate 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)
Day Limit 20 days/year
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations
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 Diego has more favorable STR regulations overall.
San Diego Overview
Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.
Full San Diego 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 Diego or San Francisco?
San Diego is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." San Diego's permit fee is Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Diego or San Francisco?
San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center), 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 Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.