Austin vs Baltimore
Texas Legal but Limited | Maryland Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Austin, Texas | Baltimore, Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit |
| Tax Rate | 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Biennial |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Austin, Texas
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead)
Tax Rate 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Austin Overview
Type 1 (owner-occupied) is allowed citywide. Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) licenses are no longer issued in residential areas — existing Type 2 licenses expire April 2027.
Full Austin 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 Austin or Baltimore?
Austin is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Baltimore is "Legal but Limited." Austin's permit fee is $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) compared to $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit in Baltimore.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Austin or Baltimore?
Austin charges 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state), 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?
Austin: $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible. Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations.