Atlanta vs Savannah
Georgia Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Savannah Overview
STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.
Full Savannah guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Savannah?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Savannah?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state 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. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.