Philadelphia vs Washington DC
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $50 Limited Lodging license | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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 | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Philadelphia or Washington DC?
Philadelphia is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Philadelphia's permit fee is $50 Limited Lodging license compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Philadelphia or Washington DC?
Philadelphia charges 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.