New Orleans vs Santa Fe
Louisiana Restricted | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New Orleans, Louisiana | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee | ~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/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Santa Fe 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
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.
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 →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 New Orleans or Santa Fe?
New Orleans is classified as "Restricted" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." New Orleans's permit fee is NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New Orleans or Santa Fe?
New Orleans charges 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee, 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?
New Orleans: $1,000/violation; platforms fined $1,000/day per illegal listing. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.