Baltimore vs Indianapolis
Maryland Legal but Limited | Indiana Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Indianapolis, Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $150 one-time registration fee per property |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations | Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations |
| Verdict | Indianapolis 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
Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
Indianapolis 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 →Indianapolis Overview
Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.
Full Indianapolis guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Indianapolis?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Indianapolis is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $150 one-time registration fee per property in Indianapolis.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Indianapolis?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). 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. Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations.