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.

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.

Permits & Licensing

San Diego charges Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) for STR licensing, while Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license. San Diego renewal is biennial, and Washington DC renewal is every 2 years. Overall, San Diego has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Washington DC (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In San Diego, hosts pay 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center). In Washington DC, hosts pay 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Both cities impose annual day limits: San Diego allows 20 nights/year, while Washington DC allows 90 nights/year. Washington DC's higher cap gives hosts more flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in San Diego face penalties including $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations. In Washington DC, violations can result in $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: STRO Administration, City Treasurer — (619) 615-6120

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.

Contact: DC DLCP Short-Term Rental Hotline — (202) 221-8550

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. Overall, San Diego has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do San Diego and Washington DC have day limits for Airbnb?
San Diego limits STRs to 20 nights per year. Washington DC limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — San Diego or Washington DC?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: San Diego charges Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) for permits with 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) in taxes. Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license with 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Automatic tax collection in San Diego and Washington DC makes compliance easier for beginners.