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.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details for STR licensing, while Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license. Salt Lake City renewal is annual, and Santa Fe renewal is annual. Overall, Santa Fe has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Salt Lake City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Salt Lake City, hosts pay ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal 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 Salt Lake City face penalties including Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines. 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.

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.

Contact: Salt Lake City Planning Division — (801) 535-7700

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.

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

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. Overall, Santa Fe has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Salt Lake City and Santa Fe have day limits for Airbnb?
Salt Lake City has no annual day limit. Santa Fe has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Salt Lake City or Santa Fe?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Salt Lake City charges Contact city for current details for permits with ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal 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 Salt Lake City and Santa Fe makes compliance easier for beginners.