This calculator starts with Delaware’s 0% rate.
Delaware sales tax rates in 2026
Delaware is one of the few places in the U.S. with no general sales tax.
| Measure | Rate | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| State sales tax rate | 0% | 47 of 51 |
| Average local rate (population-weighted) | 0% | — |
| Combined state + average local rate | 0% | 47 of 51 (tied with Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon) |
| Highest local rate | 0% | — |
| Middle of all 51 (combined) | 7% | 26 of 51 |
No state or local sales tax (Delaware levies a gross receipts tax on businesses instead).
Sales tax on common purchases in Delaware
With no sales tax, the price is the total. Here are the same purchases for comparison with other states:
| Purchase | Sales tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $100 purchase | $0.00 | $100.00 |
| $500 purchase | $0.00 | $500.00 |
| $1,000 purchase | $0.00 | $1,000.00 |
| $25,000 car | $0.00 | $25,000.00 |
A $25,000 car would carry no general sales tax in Delaware, though other vehicle taxes and fees may apply.
Groceries and items taxed differently
Groceries: No sales tax.
With no general sales tax, clothing, prescription drugs and most other purchases are also untaxed at the register in Delaware.
Delaware vs. neighboring states
Delaware has the lowest average combined rate among its neighbors; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $60.00 in Maryland to $66.00 in New Jersey, versus $0.00 in Delaware.
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Delaware |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 0% | 0% | 0% | $0.00 | — |
| Maryland | 6% | 0% | 6% | $60.00 | +$60.00 |
| Pennsylvania | 6% | 0.34% | 6.34% | $63.40 | +$63.40 |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | −0.02% | 6.6% | $66.00 | +$66.00 |
Shoppers from nearby states who buy in Delaware may still owe use tax to their home state on taxable items they bring back. See sales tax rates for every state.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Delaware in 2026?
Delaware has no general sales tax: the state rate and the average local rate are both 0% as of July 1, 2026, according to the Tax Foundation. A $100.00 purchase costs $100.00, compared with $107.00 at the 7% combined rate of the middle state.
How much is sales tax on $1,000 in Delaware?
Nothing: Delaware has no general sales tax, so a $1,000 purchase costs $1,000. At the average combined rates in Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the same purchase would carry between $60.00 and $66.00 of sales tax. Buyers who live in a state with a sales tax may still owe their home state’s use tax on items they bring back.
Are groceries taxed in Delaware?
No. Delaware has no general state or local sales tax, so groceries, like most other purchases, are sold without sales tax. Separate excise taxes can still be built into the shelf price of items such as alcohol, tobacco and fuel, and food bought in a neighboring state is taxed under that state’s rules.
Is sales tax higher in Delaware than in neighboring states?
Delaware has the lowest average combined rate among its neighbors; on a $1,000 purchase the tax ranges from $60.00 in Maryland to $66.00 in New Jersey, versus $0.00 in Delaware. These comparisons use each state’s combined state and average local rate.