Baltimore vs Boston

Maryland Legal but Limited | Massachusetts Legal but Limited

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

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
Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Boston charges $25 registration fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Boston renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal but Limited."

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In Boston, hosts pay 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

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 Baltimore face penalties including $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. In Boston, violations can result in $300/day for unregistered listing. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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 →

Boston Overview

Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.

Contact: Boston Inspectional Services — (617) 635-5300

Full Boston guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Boston?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Boston is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $25 registration fee in Boston. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Boston?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Boston have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Boston has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Boston?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for permits with 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax in taxes. Boston charges $25 registration fee with 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax. Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and Boston makes compliance easier for beginners.