San Francisco vs Seattle
California Legal but Limited | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Francisco, California | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $450 registration fee | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for illegal hosting | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →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.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in San Francisco or Seattle?
San Francisco is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." San Francisco's permit fee is $450 registration fee compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Francisco or Seattle?
San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.