Sales Tax by State 2026: Complete 50-State Rate Table
Sales Tax by State 2026: Complete 50-State Rate Table
Sales tax is one of the most variable costs in American life — the rate you pay depends entirely on where you make a purchase. From 0% in five states to combined rates above 10% in others, understanding your local rate helps you budget accurately and plan larger purchases strategically.
Use our Sales Tax Calculator to quickly compute the exact tax on any purchase in any US city.
Why Combined Rate Matters More Than State Rate
The state rate is set by the state legislature. The combined rate adds local sales taxes from county and city governments. When you shop at a store, you pay the combined rate — not just the state rate.
For example:
- Tennessee state rate: 7.0%
- Average local rate: 2.55%
- Combined rate you pay: 9.55%
Always compare combined rates when evaluating cost of living across cities.
Sales Tax Rates by State — 2026
| State | State Rate | Avg. Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4.00% | 5.24% | 9.24% |
| Alaska | 0.00% | 1.76% | 1.76% |
| Arizona | 5.60% | 2.80% | 8.40% |
| Arkansas | 6.50% | 3.00% | 9.47% |
| California | 7.25% | 1.57% | 8.82% |
| Colorado | 2.90% | 4.91% | 7.81% |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | 0.00% | 6.35% |
| Delaware | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Florida | 6.00% | 1.09% | 7.09% |
| Georgia | 4.00% | 3.35% | 7.35% |
| Hawaii | 4.00% | 0.44% | 4.44% |
| Idaho | 6.00% | 0.03% | 6.03% |
| Illinois | 6.25% | 2.57% | 8.82% |
| Indiana | 7.00% | 0.00% | 7.00% |
| Iowa | 6.00% | 0.94% | 6.94% |
| Kansas | 6.50% | 2.24% | 8.74% |
| Kentucky | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Louisiana | 4.45% | 5.10% | 9.55% |
| Maine | 5.50% | 0.00% | 5.50% |
| Maryland | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Massachusetts | 6.25% | 0.00% | 6.25% |
| Michigan | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Minnesota | 6.875% | 0.58% | 7.46% |
| Mississippi | 7.00% | 0.07% | 7.07% |
| Missouri | 4.225% | 4.03% | 8.28% |
| Montana | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Nebraska | 5.50% | 1.47% | 6.97% |
| Nevada | 6.85% | 1.38% | 8.23% |
| New Hampshire | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | -0.03% | 6.60% |
| New Mexico | 5.00% | 2.75% | 7.72% |
| New York | 4.00% | 4.52% | 8.52% |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 2.23% | 6.98% |
| North Dakota | 5.00% | 1.96% | 6.96% |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 1.48% | 7.24% |
| Oklahoma | 4.50% | 4.50% | 9.00% |
| Oregon | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Pennsylvania | 6.00% | 0.34% | 6.34% |
| Rhode Island | 7.00% | 0.00% | 7.00% |
| South Carolina | 6.00% | 1.50% | 7.46% |
| South Dakota | 4.20% | 1.90% | 6.10% |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | 2.55% | 9.55% |
| Texas | 6.25% | 1.95% | 8.20% |
| Utah | 4.85% | 2.08% | 6.93% |
| Vermont | 6.00% | 0.18% | 6.18% |
| Virginia | 5.30% | 0.43% | 5.73% |
| Washington | 6.50% | 2.80% | 9.29% |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | 0.39% | 6.39% |
| Wisconsin | 5.00% | 0.44% | 5.44% |
| Wyoming | 4.00% | 1.38% | 5.38% |
Note: Local rates are population-weighted averages. Individual city rates may vary significantly. Use our Sales Tax Calculator for city-specific rates.
The 5 States with No Sales Tax
Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon have zero state and local sales tax — making them genuine tax-free shopping destinations. Alaska has no state sales tax but allows local jurisdictions to levy their own, with an average local rate around 1.76%.
Shopping in these states can produce meaningful savings on large purchases like electronics, appliances, jewelry, and furniture.
Highest Combined Sales Tax Rates
The states with the highest average combined rates in 2026:
| Rank | State | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana | 9.55% |
| 1 | Tennessee | 9.55% |
| 3 | Arkansas | 9.47% |
| 4 | Washington | 9.29% |
| 5 | Alabama | 9.24% |
In specific cities within these states, combined rates can exceed 10%. Chicago (Cook County), for instance, has a combined rate near 10.25%.
Grocery Exemptions by State
States that fully exempt groceries from sales tax (partial list): California, Texas (most food), New York (unprepared food), Virginia, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maine, Vermont, Minnesota
States that tax groceries at a reduced rate: Arkansas (0.125%), Illinois (1%), Missouri (1.225%), Virginia (2.5% for some items)
States that fully tax groceries: Alabama, Mississippi, South Dakota, Hawaii (as general excise tax)
This distinction matters significantly for families: at 9% sales tax on groceries, a family spending $800/month on food pays $864/year in sales tax on food alone.
How Sales Tax Interacts with Cost of Living
Sales tax is a significant part of true cost of living, especially in states with no income tax. When comparing a job offer in Tennessee (9.55% sales tax, no income tax) versus California (8.82% sales tax, high income tax), the analysis requires looking at total tax burden — not just one type.
Check our Paycheck Calculator to compare after-tax income across states, and use our Sales Tax Calculator to factor in the consumption tax impact.
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