Baltimore vs San Francisco

Maryland Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for STR licensing, while San Francisco charges $450 registration fee. Baltimore renewal is biennial, and San Francisco renewal is every 2 years. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal but Limited."

Tax Obligations

In Baltimore, hosts pay 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax. In San Francisco, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

San Francisco imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Baltimore has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Baltimore face penalties including $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. In San Francisco, violations can result in $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Baltimore Overview

Primary residence required; max two licenses per host. Stays must be under 90 consecutive nights. Must pass home inspection.

Contact: Baltimore DHCD Property Registration — (410) 396-3575

Full Baltimore guide →

San Francisco Overview

Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.

Contact: SF Office of Short-Term Rentals — (415) 575-9179

Full San Francisco guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Baltimore or San Francisco?
Baltimore is classified as "Legal but Limited" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Baltimore's permit fee is $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Baltimore or San Francisco?
Baltimore charges 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax, while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Baltimore: $500/violation for unlicensed operation; up to $1,000 for state registration violations. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Baltimore and San Francisco have day limits for Airbnb?
Baltimore has no annual day limit. San Francisco limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Baltimore or San Francisco?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Baltimore charges $200 biennial license fee per dwelling unit for permits with 9.5% Baltimore Hotel Tax + 6% state lodging tax in taxes. San Francisco charges $450 registration fee with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Automatic tax collection in Baltimore and San Francisco makes compliance easier for beginners.