Philadelphia vs Phoenix
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $50 Limited Lodging license | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | 180 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unlicensed rental | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Phoenix Overview
Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.
Full Phoenix guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Philadelphia or Phoenix?
Philadelphia is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Philadelphia's permit fee is $50 Limited Lodging license compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Philadelphia or Phoenix?
Philadelphia charges 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax, while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.