Philadelphia vs Savannah

Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit

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

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.

Permits & Licensing

Philadelphia charges $50 Limited Lodging license for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Philadelphia renewal is annual, and Savannah renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Philadelphia, hosts pay 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax. 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

Philadelphia imposes a 180-night annual limit, while Savannah has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Philadelphia face penalties including $300/day for unlicensed rental. 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.

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.

Contact: Philadelphia L&I — (215) 686-2463

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.

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

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Philadelphia and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Philadelphia limits STRs to 180 nights per year. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Philadelphia or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Philadelphia charges $50 Limited Lodging license for permits with 8.5% Hotel Tax + sales tax in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Philadelphia and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.