Detroit vs Santa Fe
Michigan Legal but Limited | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| 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 | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →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 Detroit or Santa Fe?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Santa Fe?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), 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?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.