Savannah vs Scottsdale
Georgia Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Savannah, Georgia | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Savannah or Scottsdale?
Savannah is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Savannah's permit fee is $400 initial application; $250/year renewal compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Savannah or Scottsdale?
Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax, while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.