San Diego vs Washington DC
California Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Diego, California | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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 | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| 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
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 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 →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 Diego or Washington DC?
San Diego is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC 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 $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Diego or Washington DC?
San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center), 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 Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.