Milwaukee vs New Orleans
Wisconsin Legal with Permit | Louisiana Restricted
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | New Orleans, Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Restricted |
| Permit Fee | $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year |
| Tax Rate | 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% 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 | $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing |
| Verdict | Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee
Tax Rate 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% combined)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses
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
Milwaukee has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Milwaukee Overview
Tourist Rooming House license required for rentals under one month. Properties must pass safety inspection for building code and fire safety compliance before license is issued.
Full Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee or New Orleans?
Milwaukee is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New Orleans is "Restricted." Milwaukee's permit fee is $110 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection fee compared to NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year in New Orleans.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Milwaukee or New Orleans?
Milwaukee charges 5% state sales + 3% county room tax + 7% city room tax (15% 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?
Milwaukee: $150–$500 first offense; steeper fines and permit revocation for repeat offenses. New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing.