Asheville vs New Orleans
North Carolina Restricted | Louisiana Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Asheville, North Carolina | New Orleans, Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 homestay permit fee | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year |
| Tax Rate | ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy) | 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for violations | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Asheville, North Carolina
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $200 homestay permit fee
Tax Rate ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for violations
New Orleans, Louisiana
Status Restricted
Permit Fee NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year
Tax Rate 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
Asheville Overview
Whole-dwelling STRs banned in most zones since 2018; only allowed in resort zoning districts. Owner-occupied homestays (max 2 guest rooms, host must live on-site) are permitted in residential zones with a permit.
Full Asheville guide →New Orleans Overview
Heavily restricted: French Quarter is banned (except parts of Bourbon St), permits limited to owner's primary residence via lottery, CSTR permits frozen since 2023, and one STR per block density cap applies.
Full New Orleans guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Asheville or New Orleans?
Asheville is classified as "Restricted" while New Orleans is "Restricted." Asheville's permit fee is $200 homestay permit fee compared to NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year in New Orleans.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Asheville or New Orleans?
Asheville charges ~16.75% combined (4.75% state sales + 6% county occupancy + 6% city occupancy), while New Orleans charges 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Asheville: $500/day for violations. New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing.