Milwaukee vs Pittsburgh
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses | $500/unit/month for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
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.
Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or Pittsburgh?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Pittsburgh is "Legal with Permit." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) in Pittsburgh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or Pittsburgh?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined), 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?
Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses. Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit.