Pittsburgh vs Savannah
Pennsylvania Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax) | 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 | $500/unit/month for operating without permit | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection)
Tax Rate 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/unit/month for operating without permit
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.
Pittsburgh Overview
Rental Permit Program launched December 2024. No day caps or per-owner unit limits. All rental properties must register and pass inspection.
Full Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh or Savannah?
Pittsburgh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Pittsburgh's permit fee is $35.50/unit ($16 registration + $5.50 inspection + $14 dwelling unit inspection) compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Pittsburgh or Savannah?
Pittsburgh charges 13% combined (7% Allegheny County hotel tax + 6% state hotel occupancy 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?
Pittsburgh: $500/unit/month for operating without permit. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.