Baltimore vs Kansas City
Maryland Legal but Limited | Missouri Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Kansas City, Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $250/year permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax |
| 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 | $500/offense for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Kansas City 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
Kansas City, Missouri
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year permit fee
Tax Rate 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $500/offense for operating without permit
Kansas City 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 →Kansas City Overview
Short-term rental permits required for all listings. Both owner-occupied and investor-owned properties are eligible. Must maintain guest registry and provide local emergency contact within 30 minutes.
Full Kansas City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Kansas City?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Kansas City is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $250/year permit fee in Kansas City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Kansas City?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Kansas City charges 7.5% Transient Guest Tax + sales tax. 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. Kansas City: $500/offense for operating without permit.