Atlanta vs Charlotte
Georgia Legal with Permit | North Carolina Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Charlotte, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | Business license required; contact city for current fee |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy 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 | $500/day for continued non-compliance |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Charlotte, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Business license required; contact city for current fee
Tax Rate ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for continued non-compliance
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Charlotte Overview
Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.
Full Charlotte guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Charlotte?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Charlotte is "Legal with Permit." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to Business license required; contact city for current fee in Charlotte.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Charlotte?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy 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. Charlotte: $500/day for continued non-compliance.