Pittsburgh vs Sacramento
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Sacramento, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax |
| Tax Rate | 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax) | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/unit/month for operating without permit | Contact city for current details |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Pittsburgh or Sacramento?
Pittsburgh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." Pittsburgh's permit fee is $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Pittsburgh or Sacramento?
Pittsburgh charges 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax), while Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.