Detroit vs Jersey City
Michigan Legal but Limited | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | 60 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| Verdict | Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation 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
Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit 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 Detroit or Jersey City?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Jersey City?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), 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?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.