Baltimore vs Honolulu

Maryland Legal but Limited | Hawaii 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
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.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and Honolulu renewal is annual. Overall, Baltimore has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Honolulu (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In Honolulu, hosts pay ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Baltimore, but hosts in Honolulu 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 Honolulu, violations can result in $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. 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 →

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.

Contact: Dept. of Planning and Permitting — (808) 768-7887

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. Overall, Baltimore has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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). Notably, Baltimore benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Honolulu 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. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and Honolulu have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. Honolulu has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or Honolulu?
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. Honolulu charges $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal with ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). Automatic tax collection in Baltimore makes compliance easier for beginners.