Honolulu vs Pittsburgh
Hawaii Restricted | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Honolulu, Hawaii | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) |
| Tax Rate | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) | 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine | $500/unit/month for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Pittsburgh has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
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
Pittsburgh has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu 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 Honolulu or Pittsburgh?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Pittsburgh is "Legal with Permit." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) in Pittsburgh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Pittsburgh?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), 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?
Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit.