Austin vs Baltimore

Texas Legal but Limited | Maryland Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Austin charges $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) for STR licensing, while Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit. Austin renewal is annual, and Baltimore renewal is biennial. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal but Limited."

Tax Obligations

In Austin, hosts pay 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state). In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Baltimore, but hosts in Austin must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Austin face penalties including $500–$2,000/violation; license revocation possible. In Baltimore, violations can result in $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Austin Code Department — 3-1-1 or (512) 974-2000

Full Austin guide →

Baltimore Overview

Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.

Contact: Baltimore DHCD Property Registration — (410) 396-3575

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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. Notably, Baltimore benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Austin must handle taxes themselves.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Austin and Baltimore have day limits for Airbnb?
Austin has no annual day limit. Baltimore has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Austin or Baltimore?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Austin charges $450/year (Type 2); $50/year (Type 1 homestead) for permits with 15% Hotel Occupancy Tax (9% city + 6% state) in taxes. Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit with 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. Automatic tax collection in Baltimore makes compliance easier for beginners.