Baltimore vs Jersey City
Maryland Legal but Limited | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 60 days/year |
| 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 | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| 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
Jersey City, New Jersey
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal
Tax Rate 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee
Day Limit 60 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations
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 →Jersey City Overview
Adopted after 2019 voter referendum. Owner-occupied only — tenants and rent-controlled units prohibited. Unhosted stays capped at 60 nights/year. Only buildings with fewer than 4 units eligible.
Full Jersey City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Jersey City?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Jersey City?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee. 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. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.