Baltimore vs Honolulu
Maryland Legal but Limited | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| 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 | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| 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
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
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 →Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Honolulu?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Honolulu?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). 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. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.