Philadelphia vs San Francisco
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $50 Limited Lodging license | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 180 days/year | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unlicensed rental | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| 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
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
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 →San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Philadelphia or San Francisco?
Philadelphia is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Philadelphia's permit fee is $50 Limited Lodging license compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Philadelphia or San Francisco?
Philadelphia charges 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax, while San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.