San Diego vs Savannah
California Legal with Permit | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Diego, California | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 20 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
San Diego, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)
Tax Rate 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)
Day Limit 20 days/year
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations
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.
San Diego Overview
Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.
Full San Diego 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 San Diego or Savannah?
San Diego is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." San Diego's permit fee is Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Diego or Savannah?
San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center), 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?
San Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.