Nashville vs Santa Fe
Tennessee Legal but Limited | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Nashville, Tennessee | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $313 permit fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax | ~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 | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations
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.
Nashville Overview
Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.
Full Nashville 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 Nashville or Santa Fe?
Nashville is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Nashville's permit fee is $313 permit fee compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Nashville or Santa Fe?
Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax, 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?
Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.