Pittsburgh vs San Antonio
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | Texas Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | San Antonio, Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax) | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Triennial (every 3 years) |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/unit/month for operating without permit | Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years |
| 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
San Antonio, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee
Tax Rate 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Triennial (every 3 years)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years
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 →San Antonio Overview
Two-tier permit system (Type 1 owner-occupied, Type 2 investment). Type 2 STRs capped at 12.5% of housing per blockface; platforms must remove listings without valid permit numbers.
Full San Antonio guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Pittsburgh or San Antonio?
Pittsburgh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Antonio is "Legal with Permit." Pittsburgh's permit fee is $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) compared to Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee in San Antonio.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Pittsburgh or San Antonio?
Pittsburgh charges 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax), while San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county). 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. San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years.