Sacramento vs Santa Fe
California Legal with Permit | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Sacramento, California | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Contact city for current details | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Sacramento has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
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
Sacramento has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →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 Sacramento or Santa Fe?
Sacramento is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Sacramento's permit fee is $230 initial application; $160 annual renewal; $54 annual Business Operations Tax compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Sacramento or Santa Fe?
Sacramento charges 12% TOT + 1.15%–3.45% Tourism Marketing/Infrastructure District assessments, 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?
Sacramento: Contact city for current details. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.