Taxes & Fees: Houston vs Pasadena
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Houston has fewer restrictions than Pasadena.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston STR operators owe a combined 17% hotel occupancy tax: 6% state, 7% city, 2% Harris County, and 2% Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect both state and city portions.
View full Houston rules →Pasadena, TX
Harris County
Short-term rental hosts in Pasadena must collect and remit a total 13% hotel occupancy tax: 6% state tax under TX Tax Code Ch. 156 and 7% local tax. Failure to collect results in state penalties plus interest.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| State HOT | 6% | - |
| City HOT | 7% | - |
| County + Sports | 2% + 2% | - |
| Total | Up to 17% | - |
| Auto-Collect | Airbnb & Vrbo | - |
| State Hotel Tax | - | 6% |
| Local Hotel Tax | - | 7% |
| Total Rate | - | 13% |
| Applies To | - | Stays of 30 days or less |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Houston hotel tax?
Yes. Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect both the 6% state and 7% city hotel occupancy tax on behalf of Houston hosts. County taxes may require separate filing.
What is the total tax rate for Houston STRs?
Up to 17% total: 6% state, 7% city, 2% Harris County, and 2% Harris County-Houston Sports Authority.
Pasadena FAQ
What taxes do Pasadena Airbnb hosts pay?
A total 13% hotel occupancy tax: 6% state plus 7% local, on stays of 30 consecutive days or less.
Does Airbnb collect the tax automatically?
Airbnb may collect and remit the state portion. Verify local tax obligations directly with the City of Pasadena.
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