Jersey City vs Phoenix
New Jersey Restricted | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Phoenix, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | $250/year (non-refundable) |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations |
| Verdict | Phoenix 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
Phoenix, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year (non-refundable)
Tax Rate ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations
Phoenix 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 →Phoenix Overview
Arizona SB 1168 (2022) grants cities enhanced enforcement while SB 1350 (2016) preempts outright bans. Phoenix requires STR permit, $500K liability insurance, neighbor notification, and prohibits STR use of accessory dwelling units.
Full Phoenix guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Phoenix?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Phoenix is "Legal with Permit." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $250/year (non-refundable) in Phoenix.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Phoenix?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Phoenix charges ~12.57% combined transient lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Phoenix: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; 12-month suspension after 3 violations.