States With the Highest Sales Tax in 2026: Where You'll Pay the Most at the Register

10. New York sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 4%

Average local sales tax: 4.54%

Average combined sales tax: 8.54%

You might not be surprised to see New York make this list, but it barely does, coming in as the tenth most expensive for combined sales tax.

While the statewide tax in New York is only 4%, local taxes can run up to 4.54%. Sales tax is the highest in the five boroughs of New York City and Yonkers, and the combined rate does not fall below 7% in any county. But it may still be possible to live cheaply in New York.

Good to know facts about New York sales tax:

• Groceries and prescription drugs aren’t taxable.
• Taxes still apply to motor vehicle purchases.
• New York eliminated state and local taxes on "Pink Tax" items like diapers and "feminine products."

9. Kansas sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 6.5%

Average local sales tax: 2.19%

Average combined sales tax: 8.69%

Kansas isn’t the most tax-friendly, especially in areas like Junction City. The minimum combined sales tax in the city is 9.75%. The good news is that you can travel to other areas within the county and pay a sales tax rate of only 7.75%.

Good to know facts about Kansas sales tax:

• You won’t pay a tax on prescription drugs.
• Motor vehicle and clothing purchases are taxed at the state and local levels.
• Beginning last year, the state no longer taxes groceries.

8. Illinois sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 6.25%

Average local sales tax: 2.71%

Average combined sales tax: 8.96%

Although the average local sales tax in Illinois is only 2.71%, it’s much higher in some areas. Chicago residents pay a 10.25% sales tax rate. But the higher tax might be worth it if you are a fan of the city’s authentic deep-dish pizza. You may find cheaper tax rates in areas of Crawford, Iroquois, and Henderson counties.

Good to know facts about Illinois sales tax:

• You’ll need to pay tax on prescription drugs, which are not taxable in most other states. However, the tax is reduced to 1%.
• You’ll pay taxes on clothing and vehicle purchases.

7. California sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 7.25%

Average local sales tax: 1.74%

Average combined sales tax: 8.99%

California has the highest sales tax in the U.S. when only considering California state tax, but with an average combined rate of 8.99%, it skates by at number seven. Tax rates are 10.75% in cities like Albany and San Leandro, but you can find several California cities with tax rates under 8%, including Roseville and Anaheim.

Good to know facts about California sales tax:

• You will pay state and local taxes on motor vehicle purchases and clothing.
• You won’t pay sales tax on prescription drugs or groceries.

6. Oklahoma sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 4.5%

Average local sales tax: 4.56%

Average combined sales tax: 9.06%

Oklahoma might not come to mind when you think about states with high taxes, and that makes sense; the statewide Oklahoma tax is only 4.5%. But some people in the state can pay as much as 7% on top of that.

There is good news if you prefer the big cities, though. Tulsa and Oklahoma City have local tax rates between about 4% and 4.2%. Added to Oklahoma's statewide sales tax, those rates don't reach above 8.7%.

Good to know facts about Oklahoma sales tax:

• Prescription drugs are tax-exempt, but clothing is taxable.
• Motor vehicle purchases are taxable.
• Groceries are state sales tax-free.

5. Alabama sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 4%

Average local sales tax: 5.46%

Average combined sales tax: 9.46%

Alabama has a statewide sales tax at 4%, like New York. But the local sales tax can jump in areas of the Cotton State, forcing some residents to pay a sales tax rate as high as 11%. Alabama also still taxes groceries, but at a reduced rate of 2%.

For more information on the "Food Tax," see Kiplinger's Grocery Tax by State.

Good to know facts about Alabama sales tax:

• Motor vehicle purchases and clothing are taxable at the state and local levels.
• Prescription drug purchases are exempt.

4. Arkansas sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 6.5%

Average local sales tax: 2.96%

Average combined sales tax: 9.46%

Interestingly, Arkansas has the fourth-highest average combined sales tax rate in the country, even though the Natural State's cost of living falls well below the national average. It just goes to show that even when you pay a higher sales tax, you could still pay less overall (when the taxable items cost less to begin with).

Good to know facts about Arkansas sales tax:

• Like in most states, prescription drugs are tax-exempt.
• Motor vehicle purchases and clothing are taxable.
• Starting this year, Arkansas eliminated its state sales tax on groceries.

3. Washington sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 6.5%

Average local sales tax: 3.01%

Average combined sales tax: 9.51%

Although the average local tax rate in Washington is only 3.01%, localities can tax up to 4.1% in addition to the state tax. That means some Washington residents pay a 10.6% sales tax rate.

You could save money if you move to Washington, though, since it’s a state with no income tax. However, a 9.9% Washington "millionaire's tax" might affect some residents soon, even in the Evergreen State's most affordable places.

Good to know facts about Washington sales tax:

• You’ll pay sales tax on motor vehicles.
• Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt.

2. Tennessee sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 7%

Average local sales tax: 2.61%

Average combined sales tax: 9.61%

Although Tennessee ranks second-most-expensive for average combined state and local taxes, total sales taxes remain below 10% statewide. So, you can travel anywhere in the state without the significant tax rate changes you see with other states on this list.

Unfortunately, the Volunteer State imposes a tax on groceries, but at least they are taxed at a reduced rate of 4%, so living cheaply in Tennessee is still possible.

Good to know facts about Tennessee sales tax:

• Prescription drugs are not taxable.
• Motor vehicle purchases and clothing are taxable.

1. Louisiana sales tax

Statewide sales tax: 5%

Average local sales tax: 5.11%

Average combined sales tax: 10.11%

Louisiana ranks as the state with the highest sales tax. The Pelican State would have ranked 32nd if you only considered the Louisiana state tax. However, localities can impose their own tax rates of up to 7%, which means residents in some areas of the state face a staggering 12% sales tax rate.

Good to know facts about Louisiana sales tax:

• Even though Louisiana takes the spot for the most expensive sales tax, you won’t pay state taxes on groceries or prescription drugs.
• Motor vehicle purchases and clothing are taxable.
• Like in New York, there's no state tax on feminine products or diapers.

Read More

• 10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
• Best States to Buy Chocolate Candy Tax-Free
• First the Penny, Now the Nickel? The New Math Behind Your Checkout Total