Maui County vs Santa Fe
Hawaii Effectively Banned | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Maui County, Hawaii | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET) | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | No — host must remit | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Santa Fe has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter
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
Santa Fe has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Maui County Overview
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
Full Maui County 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 Maui County or Santa Fe?
Maui County is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Maui County's permit fee is Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Maui County or Santa Fe?
Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET), 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?
Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.