San Diego 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 | San Diego, California | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center) | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 20 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Biennial | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | San Diego has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
San Diego, California
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license)
Tax Rate 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center)
Day Limit 20 days/year
Renewal Biennial
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations
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 Diego has more favorable STR regulations overall.
San Diego Overview
Four-tier license system with caps: Tier 3 limited to 1% of housing units; Tier 4 (Mission Beach) capped at 30% and at capacity. Only one license per host; licenses are non-transferable.
Full San Diego 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 Diego or Santa Fe?
San Diego is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." San Diego's permit fee is Tier 1: $226; Tier 2: $317; Tier 3/4: $1,170 (includes application + license) compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Diego or Santa Fe?
San Diego charges 11.75%–13.75% TOT (varies by zone proximity to Convention Center), 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 Diego: $1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor charges for continued violations. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.