Atlanta vs Chicago
Georgia Legal with Permit | Illinois Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $250 annual registration fee |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County |
| 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 | $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense |
| 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
Chicago, Illinois
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $250 annual registration fee
Tax Rate 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense
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 →Chicago Overview
Must be host's primary residence; buildings with 5+ units limited to no more than 6 STR units; Restricted Residential Zones and Prohibited Buildings List apply. $1M commercial general liability insurance required.
Full Chicago guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Chicago?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Chicago is "Legal but Limited." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $250 annual registration fee in Chicago.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Chicago?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Chicago charges 10.5% combined city tax (4.5% Hotel Accommodations + 6% Shared Housing Surcharge) + 1% Cook County. 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. Chicago: $1,500–$5,000 per offense; each day is a separate offense.