New York City vs Philadelphia
New York Effectively Banned | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New York City, New York | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) | $50 Limited Lodging license |
| Tax Rate | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 180 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations | $300/day for unlicensed rental |
| Verdict | Philadelphia has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
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.
New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City 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 New York City or Philadelphia?
New York City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Philadelphia is "Legal with Permit." New York City's permit fee is $145 registration fee (OSE) compared to $50 Limited Lodging license in Philadelphia.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New York City or Philadelphia?
New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax, 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?
New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental.