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.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license for STR licensing, while Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal. Santa Fe renewal is annual, and Savannah renewal is annual. Overall, Savannah has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Santa Fe (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Santa Fe, hosts pay ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. In Savannah, hosts pay 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales 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 Santa Fe face penalties including Up to $500/day for operating without permit. In Savannah, violations can result in Fine per violation; 3 violations in 12 months triggers certificate revocation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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 →

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.

Contact: Savannah Planning & Urban Design — (912) 525-2783

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. Overall, Savannah has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
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.
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Santa Fe and Savannah have day limits for Airbnb?
Santa Fe has no annual day limit. Savannah has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Santa Fe or Savannah?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license for permits with ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax in taxes. Savannah charges $400 initial application; $250/year renewal with 8% local hotel/motel tax + 7% state sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Santa Fe and Savannah makes compliance easier for beginners.