Philadelphia vs Savannah
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $50 Limited Lodging license | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 180 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $300/day for unlicensed rental | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 Limited Lodging license
Tax Rate 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit 180 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $300/day for unlicensed rental
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.
Philadelphia Overview
Limited Lodging license required. Primary residence only, capped at 180 days/year for unhosted rentals. Hosted (owner-present) stays have no day cap. Must carry liability insurance.
Full Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia or Savannah?
Philadelphia is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Philadelphia's permit fee is $50 Limited Lodging license compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Philadelphia or Savannah?
Philadelphia charges 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax, 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?
Philadelphia: $300/day for unlicensed rental. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.