San Francisco vs Santa Fe
California Legal but Limited | New Mexico Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | San Francisco, California | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $450 registration fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license |
| Tax Rate | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Every 2 years | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $1,000/day for illegal hosting | Up to $500/day for operating without permit |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
San Francisco, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $450 registration fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $1,000/day for illegal hosting
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
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
San Francisco Overview
Primary residence only, with a 90-day cap on unhosted stays (unlimited for hosted stays). Hosts must register, carry $500K liability insurance, and pass a fire/safety inspection. Rent-controlled units face additional restrictions.
Full San Francisco 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 Francisco or Santa Fe?
San Francisco is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Santa Fe is "Legal but Limited." San Francisco's permit fee is $450 registration fee compared to $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license in Santa Fe.
Which city has higher STR taxes — San Francisco or Santa Fe?
San Francisco charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax, 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 Francisco: $1,000/day for illegal hosting. Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit.