Salt Lake City vs Santa Fe
Utah Effectively Banned | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Salt Lake City, Utah | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Effectively Banned | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Contact city for current details | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) | ~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 | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Santa Fe has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
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.
Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake 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.
Full Santa Fe guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Salt Lake City or Santa Fe?
Salt Lake City is classified as "Effectively Banned" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." Salt Lake City's permit fee is Contact city for current details compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Salt Lake City or Santa Fe?
Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT), 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?
Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.