Gatlinburg vs New Orleans
Tennessee Legal with Permit | Louisiana Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | New Orleans, Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year |
| Tax Rate | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax | 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 | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing |
| Verdict | Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom
Tax Rate 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible
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
Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Gatlinburg Overview
Tourist Residency Permit required with annual inspection. STRs prohibited in R-1A and R-2A zones. Properties over 3 stories or 12+ occupants require sprinkler systems.
Full Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg or New Orleans?
Gatlinburg is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New Orleans is "Restricted." Gatlinburg's permit fee is $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom compared to NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year in New Orleans.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Gatlinburg or New Orleans?
Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax, 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?
Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible. New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing.