Las Vegas vs New Orleans
Nevada Legal but Limited | Louisiana Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Las Vegas, Nevada | New Orleans, Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year |
| Tax Rate | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) | 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 | $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing |
| Verdict | Las Vegas has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Las Vegas, Nevada
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification)
Tax Rate 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000–$10,000 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
Las Vegas has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Las Vegas Overview
Only owner-occupied (hosted) rentals are permitted; the owner must reside on-site during each rental day. Properties must be at least 660 feet from another STR and 2,500 feet from a resort hotel. Limited to 3 bedrooms max. Requires $500,000 liability insurance.
Full Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas or New Orleans?
Las Vegas is classified as "Legal but Limited" while New Orleans is "Restricted." Las Vegas's permit fee is $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) compared to NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year in New Orleans.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Las Vegas or New Orleans?
Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County), 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?
Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation. New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing.