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.

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.

Permits & Licensing

Santa Fe charges $100 one-time application + $325/year permit and business license for STR licensing, while Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license. Santa Fe renewal is annual, and Washington DC renewal is every 2 years. Both cities share a similar regulatory stance, classified as "Legal but Limited."

Tax Obligations

In Santa Fe, hosts pay ~8.44% gross receipts tax + 7.1% lodgers' tax. In Washington DC, hosts pay 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Washington DC imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Santa Fe has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Santa Fe face penalties including Up to $500/day for operating without permit. In Washington DC, violations can result in $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license 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 →

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.

Contact: DC DLCP Short-Term Rental Hotline — (202) 221-8550

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. Both cities have comparable regulatory frameworks.
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).
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. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Santa Fe and Washington DC have day limits for Airbnb?
Santa Fe has no annual day limit. Washington DC limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Santa Fe or Washington DC?
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. Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license with 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Automatic tax collection in Santa Fe and Washington DC makes compliance easier for beginners.