Baltimore vs Palm Springs
Maryland Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Baltimore, Maryland | Palm Springs, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate |
| Tax Rate | 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) |
| 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 | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Baltimore Overview
Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.
Full Baltimore guide →Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or Palm Springs?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or Palm Springs?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). 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. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension.