Maui County vs Pittsburgh

Hawaii Effectively Banned | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
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.

Permits & Licensing

Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount for STR licensing, while Pittsburgh charges $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection). Maui County renewal is annual, and Pittsburgh renewal is annual. Overall, Pittsburgh has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Maui County (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Maui County, hosts pay ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). In Pittsburgh, hosts pay 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Pittsburgh, but hosts in Maui County must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Maui County face penalties including $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. In Pittsburgh, violations can result in $500/unit/month for operating without permit. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Maui County Overview

Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.

Contact: Planning Dept., Current Planning Division — (808) 270-8205

Full Maui County 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.

Contact: Dept. of Permits, Licenses & Inspections — (412) 255-2621

Full Pittsburgh guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Maui County or Pittsburgh?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Pittsburgh is "Legal with Permit." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) in Pittsburgh. Overall, Pittsburgh has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or Pittsburgh?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), while Pittsburgh charges 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax). Notably, Pittsburgh benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Maui County must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Maui County and Pittsburgh have day limits for Airbnb?
Maui County has no annual day limit. Pittsburgh has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Maui County or Pittsburgh?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount for permits with ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) in taxes. Pittsburgh charges $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) with 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax). Automatic tax collection in Pittsburgh makes compliance easier for beginners.