Jersey City vs Savannah
New Jersey Restricted | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Jersey City, New Jersey | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| 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 | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah 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
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
Savannah 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 →Savannah Overview
STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.
Full Savannah guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Jersey City or Savannah?
Jersey City is classified as "Restricted" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Jersey City's permit fee is $250 initial application + $200 annual renewal compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Jersey City or Savannah?
Jersey City charges 6% municipal occupancy tax + 6.625% state sales + 5% state occupancy fee, while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state 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. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.