San Francisco vs Savannah

California Legal but Limited | Georgia Legal with Permit

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

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.

Permits & Licensing

San Francisco charges $450 registration fee for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. San Francisco renewal is every 2 years, and Savannah renewal is annual. Overall, Savannah has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to San Francisco (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In San Francisco, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. 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

San Francisco imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Savannah has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in San Francisco face penalties including $1,000/day for illegal hosting. 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.

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.

Contact: SF Office of Short-Term Rentals — (415) 575-9179

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.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

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. Overall, Savannah has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do San Francisco and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
San Francisco limits STRs to 90 nights per year. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — San Francisco or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: San Francisco charges $450 registration fee for permits with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in San Francisco and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.