Charlotte vs Honolulu
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Hawaii Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Honolulu, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine |
| Verdict | Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Charlotte, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Business license required; contact city for current fee
Tax Rate ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for continued non-compliance
Honolulu, Hawaii
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine
Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Charlotte Overview
Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.
Full Charlotte guide →Honolulu Overview
STRs limited to resort-zoned and eligible apartment-zoned areas. Hosts must register as B&B (owner-occupied, max 2 guest rooms) or TVU (whole-home in eligible zones). Registrations are non-transferable.
Full Honolulu guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Honolulu?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Honolulu is "Restricted." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal in Honolulu.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Honolulu?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charlotte: $500/day for continued non-compliance. Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine.