Houston vs Santa Fe
Texas Legal with Permit | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | ~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 | $500/day for non-compliance | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Houston, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $90 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for non-compliance
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
Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Houston Overview
Houston has no zoning code, so STRs are broadly permitted. Hosts must register, collect HOT, and meet fire-safety and parking standards. Deed-restricted communities may impose additional restrictions.
Full Houston 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 Houston or Santa Fe?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Santa Fe?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), 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?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.