Honolulu vs Jersey City
Hawaii Restricted | New Jersey Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Honolulu, Hawaii | Jersey City, New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET) | 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 | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →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 Honolulu or Jersey City?
Honolulu is classified as "Restricted" while Jersey City is "Restricted." Honolulu's permit fee is $1,000 initial registration; $500 annual renewal compared to $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal in Jersey City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Honolulu or Jersey City?
Honolulu charges ~18.5% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county TAT surcharge + 4.5% GET), 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?
Honolulu: $10,000/day for recurring violations; $5,000 initial fine. Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations.