Jersey City vs Salt Lake City

New Jersey Restricted | Utah Effectively Banned

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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines

Jersey City has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Jersey City charges $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal for STR licensing, while Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details. Jersey City renewal is annual, and Salt Lake City renewal is annual. Overall, Jersey City has a more permissive regulatory environment (Restricted) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Jersey City, hosts pay 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee. In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Jersey City imposes a 60-night annual limit, while Salt Lake City has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Jersey City face penalties including $1,500–$2,000 first offense; up to $5,000+ for repeat violations. In Salt Lake City, violations can result in Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: Division of Housing Preservation — (201) 547-4821

Full Jersey City guide →

Salt Lake City Overview

Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

Full Salt Lake City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Salt Lake City?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City. Overall, Jersey City has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Salt Lake City?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT).
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. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Jersey City and Salt Lake City have day limits for Airbnb?
Jersey City limits STRs to 60 nights per year. Salt Lake City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Jersey City or Salt Lake City?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Jersey City charges $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal for permits with 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee in taxes. Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). Automatic tax collection in Jersey City and Salt Lake City makes compliance easier for beginners.