Las Vegas vs Santa Fe
Nevada Legal but Limited | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Las Vegas, Nevada | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County) | ~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 | $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
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.
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 →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 Las Vegas or Santa Fe?
Las Vegas is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Las Vegas's permit fee is $500/year (business license + Conditional Use Verification) compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Las Vegas or Santa Fe?
Las Vegas charges 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (Clark County), 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?
Las Vegas: $1,000–$10,000 for unlicensed operation. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.