Atlanta vs Los Angeles
Georgia Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| 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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Los Angeles?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Los Angeles?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient 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. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).