Atlanta vs Charleston
Georgia Legal with Permit | South Carolina Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Charleston, South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible |
| 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
Charleston, South Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee
Tax Rate ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible
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 →Charleston Overview
Whole-house STRs are effectively banned; at least one full-time resident must sleep on-site each night. Max 4 adult guests. Charleston is one of the few U.S. cities that criminally prosecutes illegal STR operators. $1M liability insurance required.
Full Charleston guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Charleston?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Charleston is "Restricted." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $250 (24–72 nights/yr) or $1,500 (72+ nights/yr) + $200 zoning review fee in Charleston.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Charleston?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Charleston charges ~14% combined (5% state sales + 2% state accommodations + 2% county + 2% city + local option taxes). 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. Charleston: Up to $1,087/day or 30 days jail; criminal prosecution possible.