Atlanta vs Honolulu
Georgia Legal with Permit | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| 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 | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| 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
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
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 →Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Honolulu?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Honolulu?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). 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. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.