Columbus vs Jersey City
Ohio Legal with Permit | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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 | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| Verdict | Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
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
Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus 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 Columbus or Jersey City?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Jersey City?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales 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?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.