Columbus vs Philadelphia
Ohio Legal with Permit | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $50 Limited Lodging license |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 180 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | $300/day for unlicensed rental |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 Limited Lodging license
Tax Rate 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit 180 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unlicensed rental
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus guide →Philadelphia Overview
Limited Lodging license required. Primary residence only, capped at 180 days/year for unhosted rentals. Hosted (owner-present) stays have no day cap. Must carry liability insurance.
Full Philadelphia guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Philadelphia?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Philadelphia is "Legal with Permit." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $50 Limited Lodging license in Philadelphia.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Philadelphia?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Philadelphia charges 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental.