Baltimore vs Charleston
Maryland Legal but Limited | South Carolina Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Charleston, South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible |
| Verdict | Baltimore has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
Baltimore has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Baltimore Overview
Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.
Full Baltimore guide →Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Charleston?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Charleston is "Restricted." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee in Charleston.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Charleston?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible.