Atlanta vs Jersey City
Georgia Legal with Permit | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 60 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| 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
Jersey City, New Jersey
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal
Tax Rate 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee
Day Limit 60 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations
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 →Jersey City Overview
Adopted after 2019 voter referendum. Owner-occupied only — tenants and rent-controlled units prohibited. Unhosted stays capped at 60 nights/year. Only buildings with fewer than 4 units eligible.
Full Jersey City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Jersey City?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Jersey City?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee. 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. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.