Columbus vs Santa Fe
Ohio Legal with Permit | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Columbus, Ohio | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio 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 | Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
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
Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Columbus Overview
Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.
Full Columbus 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 Columbus or Santa Fe?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Santa Fe?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio 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?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.