Park City vs Santa Fe

Utah Legal with Permit | New Mexico Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Park City, Utah
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual)
Tax Rate ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses
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

Park City has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for STR licensing, while Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license. Park City renewal is annual, and Santa Fe renewal is annual. Overall, Park City has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Santa Fe (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Park City, hosts pay ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT). In Santa Fe, hosts pay ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Park City face penalties including Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. In Santa Fe, violations can result in Up to $500/day for operating without permit. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Park City Overview

Nightly Rental License required; only certain zones allow STRs (e.g., Old Town, Canyons Village). Areas like Prospector and Meadows Estates prohibit nightly rentals. Must pass building inspection and designate 24/7 local contact.

Contact: Park City Finance Department — (435) 615-5231

Full Park City 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.

Contact: Santa Fe Land Use Dept. — (505) 955-6639

Full Santa Fe guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Park City or Santa Fe?
Park City is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Park City's permit fee is $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe. Overall, Park City has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Park City or Santa Fe?
Park City charges ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT), while Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Park City: Daily fines per violation; license revocation for repeat offenses. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Park City and Santa Fe have day limits for Airbnb?
Park City has no annual day limit. Santa Fe has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Park City or Santa Fe?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Park City charges $149 administrative fee + $28.74/bedroom (annual) for permits with ~8.6% combined (state + local sales + 1% municipal TRT + 0.32% state TRT) in taxes. Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license with ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. Automatic tax collection in Park City and Santa Fe makes compliance easier for beginners.