Raleigh vs Santa Fe
North Carolina Legal with Permit | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Raleigh, North Carolina | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax) | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 120 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Raleigh has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Raleigh, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal
Tax Rate ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible
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
Raleigh has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Raleigh Overview
STRs allowed as limited use in residential and mixed-use zones. Standard permit limits hosting to 120 days/year; Extended Home-Sharing permit allows 365 days. Zoning permit number must be displayed on all advertisements.
Full Raleigh 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 Raleigh or Santa Fe?
Raleigh is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Raleigh's permit fee is ~$194 initial zoning permit; ~$86 annual renewal compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Raleigh or Santa Fe?
Raleigh charges ~13% combined (7% state+local sales + 6% Wake County room occupancy 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?
Raleigh: $100–$500/day for violations; permit revocation possible. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.