Baltimore vs Milwaukee
Maryland Legal but Limited | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% 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 | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Milwaukee 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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Milwaukee?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Milwaukee?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% 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. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.