Boston vs Charleston
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | South Carolina Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Charleston, South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unregistered listing | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible |
| Verdict | Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Boston Overview
Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.
Full Boston guide →Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Boston or Charleston?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Charleston is "Restricted." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee in Charleston.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Charleston?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax, while Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible.