San Antonio vs Santa Fe
Texas Legal with Permit | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Antonio, Texas | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county) | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Triennial (every 3 years) | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | San Antonio has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
San Antonio, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee
Tax Rate 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Triennial (every 3 years)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years
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
San Antonio has more favorable STR regulations overall.
San Antonio Overview
Two-tier permit system (Type 1 owner-occupied, Type 2 investment). Type 2 STRs capped at 12.5% of housing per blockface; platforms must remove listings without valid permit numbers.
Full San Antonio 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 San Antonio or Santa Fe?
San Antonio is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." San Antonio's permit fee is Type 1 $300/3 years; Type 2 $450/3 years; $200 application fee compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Antonio or Santa Fe?
San Antonio charges 16.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax (6% state + 9% city + 1.75% county), 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?
San Antonio: Up to $500 per offense; each day is a separate violation; permit revocation up to 3 years. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.