Jersey City vs Palm Springs
New Jersey Restricted | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Palm Springs, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) |
| 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 | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension |
| Verdict | Palm Springs 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
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
Palm Springs 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 →Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Palm Springs?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Palm Springs is "Legal but Limited." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate in Palm Springs.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Palm Springs?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID). 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. Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension.