Santa Fe vs Savannah
New Mexico Legal but Limited | Georgia Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Savannah, Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license | $400 initial application; $250/year renewal |
| Tax Rate | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax | 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $500/day for operating without permit | Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation |
| Verdict | Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
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
Savannah, Georgia
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $400 initial application; $250/year renewal
Tax Rate 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation
Savannah has more favorable STR regulations overall.
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 →Savannah Overview
STVRs permitted within Downtown, Victorian, and Streetcar historic district overlay zones, plus select commercial/agriculture zones. 20% per-ward cap applies to non-owner-occupied parcels in historic districts.
Full Savannah guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Santa Fe or Savannah?
Santa Fe is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Savannah is "Legal with Permit." Santa Fe's permit fee is $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license compared to $400 initial application; $250/year renewal in Savannah.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Santa Fe or Savannah?
Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax, while Savannah charges 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Santa Fe: Up to $500/day for operating without permit. Savannah: Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation.