Jersey City vs Maui County
New Jersey Restricted | Hawaii Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Maui County, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) |
| Annual Day Limit | 60 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | No — host must remit |
| Max Fine Example | $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter |
| Verdict | Jersey City 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
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
Jersey City 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 →Maui County Overview
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
Full Maui County guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Maui County?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Maui County?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). 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. Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter.