Santa Fe vs Washington DC
New Mexico Legal but Limited | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $500/day for operating without permit | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Santa Fe or Washington DC?
Santa Fe is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Santa Fe's permit fee is $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Santa Fe or Washington DC?
Santa Fe charges ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging 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. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.