Indianapolis vs New Orleans
Indiana Legal with Permit | Louisiana Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Indianapolis, Indiana | New Orleans, Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $150 one-time registration fee per property | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year |
| Tax Rate | 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined) | 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 | Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing |
| Verdict | Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Indianapolis, Indiana
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $150 one-time registration fee per property
Tax Rate 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations
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
Indianapolis has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Indianapolis Overview
Indiana state law prevents municipalities from banning STRs but allows permitting. Hosts must collect and remit gross retail tax and Marion County innkeeper's tax.
Full Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis or New Orleans?
Indianapolis is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New Orleans is "Restricted." Indianapolis's permit fee is $150 one-time registration fee per property compared to NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year in New Orleans.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Indianapolis or New Orleans?
Indianapolis charges 7% Indiana sales tax + 10% Marion County innkeeper's tax (17% 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?
Indianapolis: Up to $500 per violation; permit revocation after three violations. New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing.