Palm Springs vs Pittsburgh
California Legal but Limited | Pennsylvania Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Palm Springs, California | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) | 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 | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension | $500/unit/month for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Pittsburgh has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
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.
Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or Pittsburgh?
Palm Springs is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Pittsburgh is "Legal with Permit." Palm Springs's permit fee is $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate compared to $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) in Pittsburgh.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Palm Springs or Pittsburgh?
Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID), 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?
Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension. Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit.