New Orleans vs Seattle
Louisiana Restricted | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | New Orleans, Louisiana | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Restricted | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle 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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in New Orleans or Seattle?
New Orleans is classified as "Restricted" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." New Orleans's permit fee is NSTR ~$50 application (lottery); CSTR $1,000/year compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — New Orleans or Seattle?
New Orleans charges 5% sales tax + 6.75% occupancy tax + $5–$12/night occupancy fee, while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.