Palm Springs vs Savannah
California Legal but Limited | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Palm Springs, California | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID) | 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 | $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Palm Springs, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate
Tax Rate 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension
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.
Palm Springs Overview
Limited to 26 rental contracts per year (28 nights or shorter each). Neighborhood density cap of 20% — multiple neighborhoods already at capacity. One permit per owner; occupancy based on bedroom count. $500,000 liability insurance required.
Full Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs or Savannah?
Palm Springs is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Palm Springs's permit fee is $1,072/year Vacation Rental Certificate; $642/year Junior Certificate compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Palm Springs or Savannah?
Palm Springs charges 12.5% combined (11.5% TOT + 1% TBID), 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?
Palm Springs: $5,000 for operating without certificate + permanent ineligibility; 3 violations = 2-year suspension. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.