Las Vegas vs Philadelphia
Nevada Legal but Limited | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Las Vegas, Nevada | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) | $50 Limited Lodging license |
| Tax Rate | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) | 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 | $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation | $300/day for unlicensed rental |
| Verdict | Philadelphia has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Las Vegas, Nevada
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification)
Tax Rate 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation
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
Philadelphia has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Las Vegas Overview
Only owner-occupied (hosted) rentals are permitted; the owner must reside on-site during each rental day. Properties must be at least 660 feet from another STR and 2,500 feet from a resort hotel. Limited to 3 bedrooms max. Requires $500,000 liability insurance.
Full Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas or Philadelphia?
Las Vegas is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Philadelphia is "Legal with Permit." Las Vegas's permit fee is $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) compared to $50 Limited Lodging license in Philadelphia.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Las Vegas or Philadelphia?
Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County), 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?
Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation. Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental.