Detroit vs New Orleans
Michigan Legal but Limited | Louisiana Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | New Orleans, Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing |
| Verdict | Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
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
Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit 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 Detroit or New Orleans?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while New Orleans is "Restricted." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year in New Orleans.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or New Orleans?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), 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?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing.