Minneapolis vs Savannah

Minnesota Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit

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

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $64 short-term rental registration fee
Tax Rate 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses
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

Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.

Permits & Licensing

Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Minneapolis renewal is annual, and Savannah renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Minneapolis, hosts pay 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined). In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Minneapolis face penalties including Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. In Savannah, violations can result in Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Minneapolis Overview

Owners limited to one STR property plus their homesteaded residence; buildings with 20+ units capped at 10% STR units. $300,000 liability insurance and neighbor notification required.

Contact: Inspections Services Division — (612) 673-3000

Full Minneapolis 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.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

Full Savannah guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Minneapolis or Savannah?
Minneapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Minneapolis's permit fee is $64 short-term rental registration fee compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Minneapolis or Savannah?
Minneapolis charges 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined), while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Minneapolis: Up to $2,000 per violation; license revocation for repeated offenses. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Minneapolis and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Minneapolis has no annual day limit. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Minneapolis or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Minneapolis charges $64 short-term rental registration fee for permits with 6.875% state sales tax + up to 3% Minneapolis entertainment tax (~10% combined) in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Minneapolis and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.