Jersey City vs Los Angeles
New Jersey Restricted | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 60 days/year | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| Verdict | Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Los Angeles has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Los Angeles?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Los Angeles?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Jersey City: $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).