Boston vs Jersey City
Massachusetts Legal but Limited | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Boston, Massachusetts | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $25 registration fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center 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 | $300/day for unregistered listing | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| Verdict | Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Boston, Massachusetts
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $25 registration fee
Tax Rate 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unregistered listing
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
Boston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Boston Overview
Only primary-residence units may be listed as STRs. Investor-owned (non-owner-occupied) short-term rentals are prohibited. Must register with the city and carry $1M liability insurance.
Full Boston 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 Boston or Jersey City?
Boston is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Boston's permit fee is $25 registration fee compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Boston or Jersey City?
Boston charges 6.5% state excise + 6% city convention center 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?
Boston: $300/day for unregistered listing. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.