San Francisco vs Savannah
California Legal but Limited | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Francisco, California | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $450 registration fee | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for illegal hosting | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
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.
San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco 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 Francisco or Savannah?
San Francisco is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." San Francisco's permit fee is $450 registration fee compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Francisco or Savannah?
San Francisco charges 14% Transient 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?
San Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.