This calculator starts with California’s combined rate of 9.03% (7.25% state + 1.78% average local). Your actual rate depends on the city, county and district of the sale — pick “Custom rate” to enter it exactly.
California sales tax rates in 2026
At 9.03%, California’s combined average rate ranks 7 of the 50 states and D.C. (1 = highest) — 2.03 percentage points above the middle value of all 51 jurisdictions (7%). Its state rate of 7.25% ranks 1 of 51.
| Measure | Rate | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| State sales tax rate | 7.25% | 1 of 51 |
| Average local rate (population-weighted) | 1.78% | — |
| Combined state + average local rate | 9.03% | 7 of 51 |
| Highest local rate | 5.25% | — |
| Middle of all 51 (combined) | 7% | 26 of 51 |
7.25% statewide base includes the 1.25% mandatory statewide local add-on, which Tax Foundation counts in the state rate.
Sales tax on common purchases in California
Sales tax at the 7.25% state rate alone and at the 9.03% combined average, rounded to the cent:
| Purchase | State tax only (7.25%) | Tax at 9.03% combined | Total with combined tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 purchase | $7.25 | $9.03 | $109.03 |
| $500 purchase | $36.25 | $45.15 | $545.15 |
| $1,000 purchase | $72.50 | $90.30 | $1,090.30 |
| $25,000 car | $1,812.50 | $2,257.50 | $27,257.50 |
The $25,000 car line uses the general rate. Many states tax vehicles under separate rules — a different rate, a cap, or tax on the price after a trade-in — so treat it as an estimate.
Groceries and items taxed differently
Groceries: Exempt.
Other items, such as clothing, prescription drugs and services, can also be exempt or taxed at a different rate depending on the state. California’s tax agency publishes the rules for specific items.
California vs. neighboring states
California has the highest average combined rate among its neighbors; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $0.00 in Oregon to $85.40 in Arizona, versus $90.30 in California.
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $1,000 | vs. California |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 0% | 0% | 0% | $0.00 | −$90.30 |
| Nevada | 6.85% | 1.39% | 8.24% | $82.40 | −$7.90 |
| Arizona | 5.6% | 2.94% | 8.54% | $85.40 | −$4.90 |
| California | 7.25% | 1.78% | 9.03% | $90.30 | — |
Shopping across a state line doesn’t always save money: when a seller doesn’t collect your state’s tax, you generally owe use tax at your home rate. See sales tax rates for every state.
How to calculate California sales tax
- Add tax: multiply the price by 1.0903. $100.00 × 1.0903 = $109.03.
- Remove tax: divide the total by 1.0903. $1,000.00 ÷ 1.0903 = $917.18, so the tax was $82.82.
- Tax alone: multiply the price by 0.0903. On $500.00: $45.15.
If you itemize deductions, you can deduct either your state and local income taxes or your general sales taxes on your federal return, within the SALT cap. The income tax calculator shows whether itemizing beats the standard deduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in California in 2026?
California’s state rate is 7.25% and the population-weighted average local rate is 1.78%, for a combined average of 9.03% as of July 1, 2026 (Tax Foundation). That ranks 7 of 51 (1 = highest). Local rates reach 5.25%, so check the rate for the exact address of the sale. At the average combined rate, a $100.00 taxable purchase costs $109.03.
How much is sales tax on $1,000 in California?
About $90.30 at the 9.03% combined average rate, for a total of $1,090.30. The state portion alone is $72.50; the rest depends on your city, county and district taxes. Multiply the price by 0.0903 to get the tax, or by 1.0903 to get the total.
How do I remove California sales tax from a total?
Divide the total by 1.0903 (1 plus the 9.03% combined rate). A $1,000 receipt total works out to $917.18 before tax and $82.82 of tax. Subtracting 9.03% of the total would give $909.70, which understates the price because the tax was charged on the smaller pre-tax amount.
How much is sales tax on a $25,000 car in California?
At the 9.03% general combined rate, $2,257.50, for a total of $27,257.50. Vehicles are often taxed under separate motor vehicle tax rules, at a different rate or on a price reduced by a trade-in, so confirm the amount with California’s motor vehicle or tax agency before you budget for it.
Are groceries taxed in California?
No. Groceries (food for home consumption) are exempt from sales tax in California. Prepared food, such as restaurant meals and hot deli items, is generally taxable, and items like candy, soft drinks and alcohol may be treated differently from groceries, so check with California’s tax agency for a specific product.
Is sales tax higher in California than in neighboring states?
California has the highest average combined rate among its neighbors; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $0.00 in Oregon to $85.40 in Arizona, versus $90.30 in California. These comparisons use each state’s combined state and average local rate. Crossing a border to save tax doesn’t always work: if a seller doesn’t collect your home state’s tax, you generally owe use tax at home.