Indianapolis vs Savannah

Indiana Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Indianapolis renewal is annual, and Savannah renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Indianapolis, hosts pay 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined). In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Indianapolis face penalties including Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. In Savannah, violations can result in Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Indianapolis Overview

Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.

Contact: Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services — (317) 327-8700

Full Indianapolis guide →

Savannah Overview

STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

Full Savannah guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Indianapolis or Savannah?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or Savannah?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Indianapolis and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Indianapolis has no annual day limit. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Indianapolis or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Indianapolis charges $150 one-time registration fee per property for permits with 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Indianapolis and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.