Savannah vs Washington DC
Georgia Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Savannah, Georgia | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Savannah or Washington DC?
Savannah is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Savannah's permit fee is $400 initial application; $250/year renewal compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Savannah or Washington DC?
Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.