Portland vs Savannah

Oregon Legal but Limited | Georgia Legal with Permit

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

Portland, Oregon
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling)
Tax Rate 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban
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.

Permits & Licensing

Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Portland renewal is every 2 years, and Savannah renewal is annual. Overall, Savannah has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Portland (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Portland, hosts pay 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state. 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

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Portland face penalties including Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. 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.

Portland Overview

Only accessory (hosted) short-term rentals allowed; resident must occupy the dwelling at least 270 days/year. Type A permits allow up to 2 bedrooms and 5 guests. Whole-home unhosted rentals are prohibited.

Contact: Portland Permitting & Development — (503) 823-2633

Full Portland 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 Portland or Savannah?
Portland is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Portland's permit fee is $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah. Overall, Savannah has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Portland or Savannah?
Portland charges 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state, while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Portland: Up to $26,201 across five violation types; permit revocation with 2-year ban. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Portland and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Portland has no annual day limit. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Portland or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Portland charges $65 (Type A single dwelling); $105 (Type A multi-dwelling) for permits with 11.5% Transient Lodging Tax (6% city + 5.5% county) + 3% TID + 1.5% state in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Portland and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.