Pittsburgh vs San Francisco
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | San Francisco, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) | $450 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/unit/month for operating without permit | $1,000/day for illegal hosting |
| Verdict | Pittsburgh has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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 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
Pittsburgh has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 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 Pittsburgh or San Francisco?
Pittsburgh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while San Francisco is "Legal but Limited." Pittsburgh's permit fee is $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) compared to $450 registration fee in San Francisco.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Pittsburgh or San Francisco?
Pittsburgh charges 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy 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?
Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit. San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting.