Atlanta vs Santa Fe
Georgia Legal with Permit | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Atlanta, Georgia | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $150/year | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for operating without permit | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Atlanta, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150/year
Tax Rate 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for operating without permit
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license
Tax Rate ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500/day for operating without permit
Atlanta has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Atlanta Overview
Owner-occupied and investor-owned units both allowed with a Short-Term Rental License. Must pass fire inspection and provide 24/7 local contact.
Full Atlanta guide →Santa Fe Overview
Residential zone STRs capped at 1,000 citywide permits; one per person; must be 50+ feet from another STR. Rentals limited to once per 7-day period (except Nov 15–Jan 15). Local operator must respond within 1 hour.
Full Santa Fe guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Atlanta or Santa Fe?
Atlanta is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Atlanta's permit fee is $150/year compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Atlanta or Santa Fe?
Atlanta charges 8% Hotel/Motel Tax + sales tax, while Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Atlanta: $1,000/day for operating without permit. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.