Santa Fe vs Sedona
New Mexico Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Sedona, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license | $210/year |
| Tax Rate | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax | 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino) |
| 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 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit |
| Verdict | Sedona 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
Sedona, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $210/year
Tax Rate 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit
Sedona 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 →Sedona Overview
Sedona straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties, so tax rates vary. Each unit needs its own permit. Special events (weddings, retreats) strictly prohibited. 24/7 complaint hotline: (928) 203-5110.
Full Sedona guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Santa Fe or Sedona?
Santa Fe is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Sedona is "Legal with Permit." Santa Fe's permit fee is $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license compared to $210/year in Sedona.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Santa Fe or Sedona?
Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax, while Sedona charges 13.3%–13.9% combined (varies by county portion — Yavapai vs Coconino). 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. Sedona: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; up to $1,000/month without permit.