Jersey City vs Milwaukee
New Jersey Restricted | Wisconsin Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined) |
| Annual Day Limit | 60 days/year | No limit |
| 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 | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses |
| Verdict | Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
Milwaukee 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 →Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Milwaukee?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Milwaukee is "Legal with Permit." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee in Milwaukee.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Milwaukee?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined). 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. Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses.