New Orleans vs Savannah
Louisiana Restricted | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New Orleans, Louisiana | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
New Orleans, Louisiana
Status Restricted
Permit Fee NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year
Tax Rate 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing
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.
New Orleans Overview
Heavily restricted: French Quarter is banned (except parts of Bourbon St), permits limited to owner's primary residence via lottery, CSTR permits frozen since 2023, and one STR per block density cap applies.
Full New Orleans 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 New Orleans or Savannah?
New Orleans is classified as "Restricted" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." New Orleans's permit fee is NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New Orleans or Savannah?
New Orleans charges 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night 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?
New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.