Philadelphia vs Portland
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | Oregon Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Portland, Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $50 Limited Lodging license | $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) |
| Tax Rate | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax | 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state |
| Annual Day Limit | 180 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unlicensed rental | Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban |
| Verdict | Philadelphia has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban
Philadelphia has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Portland Overview
Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.
Full Portland guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Philadelphia or Portland?
Philadelphia is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Portland is "Legal but Limited." Philadelphia's permit fee is $50 Limited Lodging license compared to $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) in Portland.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Philadelphia or Portland?
Philadelphia charges 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax, while Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental. Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban.