California sales tax rates (July 1, 2026)
| State rate | 7.25% |
|---|---|
| Average local rate | 1.78% (population-weighted; your address may differ) |
| Average combined rate | 9.03% |
| Rank among the 50 states and DC | 7 of 51, where 1 is the highest combined rate |
The 7.25% state rate applies everywhere in California; local rates vary by city, county and special district, which is why the calculator lets you switch between the statewide average and your own local rate. For deliveries, the rate at the delivery address usually applies.
Sales tax on common purchases in California
| Purchase | State tax only (7.25%) | Tax at 9.03% | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.73 | $0.90 | $10.90 |
| $25 | $1.81 | $2.26 | $27.26 |
| $50 | $3.63 | $4.51 | $54.51 |
| $100 | $7.25 | $9.03 | $109.03 |
| $250 | $18.13 | $22.58 | $272.58 |
| $500 | $36.25 | $45.15 | $545.15 |
| $1,000 | $72.50 | $90.30 | $1,090.30 |
| $5,000 | $362.50 | $451.50 | $5,451.50 |
Worked example: a $250 purchase
Combined rate = 7.25% state + 1.78% average local = 9.03%
Sales tax = $250 × 0.0903 = $22.58 ($18.13 state, $4.45 local)
Total = $250 + $22.58 = $272.58
To back the tax out of a receipt total, divide by 1 plus the rate: $272.58 ÷ 1.0903 ≈ $250.00. The reverse sales tax calculator does this for any rate.
California compared with nearby states
| State | State rate | Avg. local | Combined | Tax on $250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 7.25% | 1.78% | 9.03% | $22.58 |
| Oregon | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | $0.00 |
| Nevada | 6.85% | 1.39% | 8.24% | $20.60 |
| Arizona | 5.60% | 2.94% | 8.54% | $21.35 |
Average combined rates are lower in Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. Before shopping across the border, note that states with a sales tax also charge use tax on taxable goods bought elsewhere and brought home untaxed, and vehicles are taxed where they are registered.
What's taxed and what's exempt in California
- California's 7.25% statewide rate is the highest state base rate and includes 1.25% that goes to local governments; district taxes add an average of 1.78%.
- Groceries are exempt, and California has no sales tax holiday.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in California in 2026?
The state rate is 7.25%. Cities, counties and districts add an average of 1.78%, for a combined average of 9.03% as of July 1, 2026.
How much is the sales tax on $100 in California?
About $9.03 at the 9.03% average combined rate, for a total of $109.03. The 7.25% state share alone is $7.25.
How does California's sales tax compare with other states?
California ranks 7 of 51 for combined state and average local sales tax, where 1 is the highest. Nearby, Oregon (0.00%), Nevada (8.24%) and Arizona (8.54%) are lower.
Do I pay California sales tax on online orders?
Yes, in most cases. Larger online sellers and marketplaces collect California sales tax based on the delivery address. If a seller doesn't, California residents owe use tax at the same rate on taxable items, usually reported on the state income tax return.
What else should shoppers know about sales tax in California?
California's 7.25% statewide rate is the highest state base rate and includes 1.25% that goes to local governments; district taxes add an average of 1.78%.
Rates are averages for planning — not tax advice. Source: Tax Foundation, State and Local Sales Tax Rates, Midyear 2026 (rates as of July 1, 2026). Local rates vary by address and can change during the year; the California revenue department publishes the official rate for each location.