New Orleans vs Sacramento
Louisiana Restricted | California Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New Orleans, Louisiana | Sacramento, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax |
| Tax Rate | 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing | Contact city for current details |
| Verdict | Sacramento has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Sacramento, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax
Tax Rate 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details
Sacramento has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Sacramento Overview
Host must reside in the property at least 184 nights/year (primary residence requirement); non-primary-residence rentals capped at 90 days/year. Maximum 6 guests at any time.
Full Sacramento guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in New Orleans or Sacramento?
New Orleans is classified as "Restricted" while Sacramento is "Legal with Permit." New Orleans's permit fee is NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year compared to $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax in Sacramento.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New Orleans or Sacramento?
New Orleans charges 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee, while Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing. Sacramento: Contact city for current details.