Raleigh vs Savannah
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Raleigh, North Carolina | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible
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.
Raleigh Overview
STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
Full Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Savannah?
Raleigh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Raleigh's permit fee is ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Raleigh or Savannah?
Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room 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?
Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.