Atlanta vs Boston
Georgia Legal with Permit | Massachusetts Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Boston, Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $25 registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | $300/day for unregistered listing |
| Verdict | Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Atlanta, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150/year
Tax Rate 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for operating without permit
Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing
Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Atlanta Overview
Owner-occupied and investor-owned units both allowed with a Short-Term Rental License. Must pass fire inspection and provide 24/7 local contact.
Full Atlanta guide →Boston Overview
Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.
Full Boston guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Boston?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Boston is "Legal but Limited." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $25 registration fee in Boston.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Boston?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Atlanta: $1,000/day for operating without permit. Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing.