Santa Fe vs Seattle
New Mexico Legal but Limited | Washington Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Seattle, Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license | $75/year short-term rental operator license |
| Tax Rate | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax | 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500/day for operating without a license |
| Verdict | Seattle 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
Seattle, Washington
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year short-term rental operator license
Tax Rate 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for operating without a license
Seattle 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 →Seattle Overview
Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied units may be licensed. Operators may list up to 2 units. A platform license is also required for listing sites. Must collect and remit all applicable lodging taxes.
Full Seattle guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Santa Fe or Seattle?
Santa Fe is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Seattle is "Legal with Permit." Santa Fe's permit fee is $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license compared to $75/year short-term rental operator license in Seattle.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Santa Fe or Seattle?
Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax, while Seattle charges 15.6% combined lodging tax (state + county + city). 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. Seattle: $500/day for operating without a license.