For the full state income tax comparison and relocation planning framework, see the State Taxes hub.
Sales tax varies dramatically across the US — from 0% in five states to close to 9.5% combined in others. Local taxes can add several percentage points on top of the state rate.
Important accuracy note: State sales tax rates are set at the state level and change infrequently, but combined state + average-local rates shift more often as local jurisdictions adjust their own rates. The figures below reflect the last confirmed data available and were not individually re-verified state-by-state against live sources this session (that would require dozens of individual lookups beyond this session’s available search budget). Confirm current combined rates for your specific state and locality with the Tax Foundation’s sales tax data or your state’s department of revenue before relying on precise figures for financial planning — the state-level rates (which change rarely) are more reliable than the “average local rate” and “combined rate” columns, which are aggregated estimates that shift over time.
Sales Tax Rates by State (Last Confirmed Data — Confirm Current Combined Rates)
| State | State Rate | Avg. Local Rate (confirm current) | Combined Rate (confirm current) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4.00% | ~5.28% | ~9.28% |
| Alaska | 0.00% | ~1.76% | ~1.76% |
| Arizona | 5.60% | ~2.80% | ~8.40% |
| Arkansas | 6.50% | ~2.97% | ~9.47% |
| California | 7.25% | ~1.60% | ~8.85% |
| Colorado | 2.90% | ~4.89% | ~7.79% |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | 0.00% | 6.35% |
| Delaware | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Florida | 6.00% | ~1.01% | ~7.01% |
| Georgia | 4.00% | ~3.38% | ~7.38% |
| Hawaii | 4.00% | ~0.50% | ~4.50% |
| Idaho | 6.00% | ~0.02% | ~6.02% |
| Illinois | 6.25% | ~2.57% | ~8.82% |
| Indiana | 7.00% | 0.00% | 7.00% |
| Iowa | 6.00% | ~0.94% | ~6.94% |
| Kansas | 6.50% | ~2.20% | ~8.70% |
| Kentucky | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
| Louisiana | 4.45% | ~5.11% | ~9.56% |
| 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% | ~0.62% | ~7.49% |
| Mississippi | 7.00% | ~0.07% | ~7.07% |
| Missouri | 4.225% | ~4.03% | ~8.26% |
| Montana | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Nebraska | 5.50% | ~1.44% | ~6.94% |
| Nevada | 6.85% | ~1.38% | ~8.23% |
| New Hampshire | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | Confirm current | ~6.60% |
| New Mexico | 5.125% | ~2.72% | ~7.84% |
| New York | 4.00% | ~4.52% | ~8.52% |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | ~2.23% | ~6.98% |
| North Dakota | 5.00% | ~2.04% | ~7.04% |
| Ohio | 5.75% | ~1.49% | ~7.24% |
| Oklahoma | 4.50% | ~4.49% | ~8.99% |
| 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% | ~1.44% | ~7.44% |
| South Dakota | 4.20% | ~1.90% | ~6.10% |
| Tennessee | 7.00% | ~2.55% | ~9.55% |
| Texas | 6.25% | ~1.95% | ~8.20% |
| Utah | 6.10% | ~1.09% | ~7.19% |
| Vermont | 6.00% | ~0.38% | ~6.38% |
| Virginia | 5.30% | ~0.46% | ~5.76% |
| Washington | 6.50% | ~2.73% | ~9.23% |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | ~0.56% | ~6.56% |
| Wisconsin | 5.00% | ~0.43% | ~5.43% |
| Wyoming | 4.00% | ~1.44% | ~5.44% |
| Washington, D.C. | 6.00% | 0.00% | 6.00% |
States With No Sales Tax
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| Alaska | No state tax, but local jurisdictions can impose sales tax |
| Delaware | No sales tax at any level |
| Montana | No sales tax at any level (some resort towns apply local resort taxes) |
| New Hampshire | No sales tax at any level |
| Oregon | No sales tax at any level |
Impact of Sales Tax on Annual Spending (Illustrative)
| Combined Sales Tax Rate | Annual Sales Tax Paid (on $30,000 taxable spending) | Monthly Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0% (no sales tax states) | $0 | $0 |
| 5% | $1,500 | $125 |
| 7% | $2,100 | $175 |
| 8.5% | $2,550 | $213 |
| 9.5% | $2,850 | $238 |
This is an illustrative example using $30,000 of annual taxable spending; your actual sales-tax-eligible spending will vary.
Common Sales Tax Exemptions
| Item | Exempt in Most States? |
|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | Varies — several states tax groceries, at least partially; confirm your state’s specific rule |
| Prescription medications | Yes in most states |
| Clothing | Varies by state (some states exempt clothing entirely or up to a dollar threshold) |
| Prepared food/restaurant meals | Taxed in nearly all states with a general sales tax |
| Digital goods/streaming | Increasingly taxed in many states — confirm your state’s current treatment |
| Vehicles | Taxed in nearly all states with a general sales tax |
The Bottom Line
Sales tax can meaningfully affect household spending depending on where you live. Five states have no sales tax at all, while several states (including Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas) have historically had combined rates approaching 9.5%. When comparing cost of living across states, factor in sales tax alongside income tax and property tax — states with no income tax often have higher sales and/or property taxes to compensate. Confirm exact current combined rates for your specific location before making a financial decision.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy