Jersey City vs Nashville

New Jersey Restricted | Tennessee Legal but Limited

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

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
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations

Nashville 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 →

Nashville Overview

Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.

Full Nashville guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Nashville?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Nashville is "Legal but Limited." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $313 permit fee in Nashville.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Nashville?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales 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. Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations.