Denver vs Jersey City
Colorado Legal with Permit | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Denver, Colorado | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $100 license fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 60 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $999/day for unlicensed operation | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| Verdict | Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
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
Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Denver Overview
Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.
Full Denver 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 Denver or Jersey City?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Jersey City?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), 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?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.