Denver vs Pittsburgh
Colorado Legal with Permit | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | $500/unit/month for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection)
Tax Rate 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/unit/month for operating without permit
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver guide →Pittsburgh Overview
Rental Permit Program launched December 2024. No day caps or per-owner unit limits. All rental properties must register and pass inspection.
Full Pittsburgh guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Pittsburgh?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Pittsburgh is "Legal with Permit." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) in Pittsburgh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Pittsburgh?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Pittsburgh charges 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit.