Atlanta vs Salt Lake City

Georgia Legal with Permit | Utah Effectively Banned

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Atlanta charges $150/year for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Atlanta renewal is annual, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Atlanta has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Atlanta, hosts pay 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax. In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Atlanta face penalties including $1,000/day for operating without permit. In Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Atlanta Office of Buildings — (404) 330-6150

Full Atlanta guide →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Salt Lake City?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Overall, Atlanta has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Salt Lake City?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Atlanta: $1,000/day for operating without permit. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Atlanta and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Atlanta has no annual day limit. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Atlanta or Salt Lake City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Atlanta charges $150/year for permits with 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax in taxes. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Atlanta and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.