Atlanta vs New York City
Georgia Legal with Permit | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent 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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent 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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or New York City?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or New York City?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales 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. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.