Asheville vs Baltimore
North Carolina Restricted | Maryland Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | Baltimore, Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Biennial |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations |
| Verdict | Baltimore has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
Baltimore, Maryland
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit
Tax Rate 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations
Baltimore has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Asheville Overview
Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.
Full Asheville guide →Baltimore Overview
Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.
Full Baltimore guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Baltimore?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Baltimore is "Legal but Limited." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit in Baltimore.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Baltimore?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations.