Baltimore vs Charleston

Maryland Legal but Limited | South Carolina Restricted

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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Charleston charges $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Charleston renewal is annual. Overall, Baltimore has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Charleston (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In Charleston, hosts pay ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Baltimore, but hosts in Charleston 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 Baltimore face penalties including $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. In Charleston, violations can result in Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible. 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 →

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.

Contact: Charleston Dept. of Planning, Preservation & Sustainability — (843) 724-7311

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. Overall, Baltimore has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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). Notably, Baltimore benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Charleston must handle taxes themselves.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Charleston have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Charleston has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Charleston?
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. Charleston charges $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee with ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). Automatic tax collection in Baltimore makes compliance easier for beginners.