Asheville vs Savannah

North Carolina Restricted | Georgia Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation

Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Asheville charges $200 homestay permit fee for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Asheville renewal is annual, and Savannah renewal is annual. Overall, Savannah has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Asheville (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Asheville, hosts pay ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy). In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Asheville face penalties including $500/day for violations. In Savannah, violations can result in Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Asheville Overview

Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.

Contact: Development Services Department — (828) 259-5846

Full Asheville guide →

Savannah Overview

STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

Full Savannah guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or Savannah?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah. Overall, Savannah has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or Savannah?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Asheville and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Asheville has no annual day limit. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Asheville or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Asheville charges $200 homestay permit fee for permits with ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Asheville and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.