Taxes & Fees: Bonsall vs El Cajon
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Bonsall, CA and El Cajon, CA?
Bonsall has fewer restrictions than El Cajon.
Bonsall, CA
San Diego County
San Diego County imposes an 8% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rentals of 30 days or fewer in unincorporated areas. Operators must register with the County Treasurer-Tax Collector and remit TOT quarterly.
View full Bonsall rules →El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on all rentals of 30 days or less, including Airbnb and VRBO properties. TOT is due quarterly. A TOT certificate must be obtained and maintained in good standing.
View full El Cajon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bonsall | El Cajon |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 8% of rent charged | 10% of rent |
| Applies To | Stays of 30 days or fewer | Rentals under 30 days |
| Filing | Quarterly to Treasurer-Tax Collector | - |
| Registration | Required with County TTC | - |
| Platforms | May collect TOT on behalf of hosts | - |
| Reporting | - | Quarterly |
| Certificate | - | Required for STR permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bonsall FAQ
What is the TOT rate in unincorporated San Diego County?
The Transient Occupancy Tax rate is 8% of the rent charged for stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer in unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
Does Airbnb collect the TOT for me?
Some platforms may collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts. However, you remain responsible for ensuring compliance. Check with the County Treasurer-Tax Collector to confirm your obligations.
How do I register to collect TOT?
Register with the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office. You'll receive an account number and must file quarterly returns remitting the collected tax.
El Cajon FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in El Cajon?
El Cajon imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on all rentals of 30 days or less, including Airbnb and VRBO properties. TOT is due quarterly. A TOT certificate must be obtained and maintained in good standing.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in El Cajon?
TOT Rate: 10% of rent. Applies To: Rentals under 30 days. Reporting: Quarterly. Certificate: Required for STR permit.
Compare other topics
See how Bonsall and El Cajon compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool