San Francisco vs Washington DC
California Legal but Limited | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Francisco, California | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $450 registration fee | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for illegal hosting | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →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 Francisco or Washington DC?
San Francisco is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." San Francisco's permit fee is $450 registration fee compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Francisco or Washington DC?
San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, 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 Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.