Savannah vs Scottsdale

Georgia Legal with Permit | Arizona Legal with Permit

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

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.

Permits & Licensing

Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal for STR licensing, while Scottsdale charges $250/year. Savannah renewal is annual, and Scottsdale renewal is annual. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal with Permit."

Tax Obligations

In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. In Scottsdale, hosts pay ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Savannah face penalties including Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. In Scottsdale, violations can result in $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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 →

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.

Contact: Scottsdale Code Enforcement — (480) 312-2546

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Savannah and Scottsdale have day limits for Airbnb?
Savannah has no annual day limit. Scottsdale has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Savannah or Scottsdale?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal for permits with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax in taxes. Scottsdale charges $250/year with ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). Automatic tax collection in Savannah and Scottsdale makes compliance easier for beginners.