10 States With the Highest Sales Taxes

When traveling to another state, you may want to pick up a couple of keepsakes to bring back home. But heads up — the sales tax may be different from what you’re used to. There are currently 45 U.S. states that impose a statewide sales tax, with 38 that allow local sales taxes on top of that. The average combined sales tax rate across all states is 7.53%, but you may pay more or less depending on where you are. Looking to stick to a strict budget on your next domestic getaway? You may want to avoid souvenir shopping in these 10 states with the highest average combined state and local sales tax rates, according to data from the Tax Foundation (a nonprofit research group focused on tax policy).

10. New York

Average sales tax: 8.54% 

The Empire State levies the highest average sales tax of any state in the Northeast. Statewide, the sales tax rate is 4%, though local sales taxes add an average of 4.54% on top of that rate. The highest local sales tax rate in the state is levied in New York City, where buyers pay a 4.875% city tax on top of the 4% state sales tax. However, if you’re shopping for clothing, you may be in luck — New York offers a sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear sold for less than $110 per item (or pair). This exemption applies to the state sales tax and any jurisdictions which have adopted it, which includes New York City.

9. Kansas

Average sales tax: 8.69%

Shoppers in the Sunflower State are subject to a 6.5% statewide sales tax on all purchases made in the state. Furthermore, local jurisdictions levy an average local sales tax of 2.19%. The highest combined sales tax rate currently sits at 10.25%; however, beginning April 1, 2026, tax rates are expected to change in Finney, Jackson, and McPherson Counties — resulting in new combined sales tax rates as high as 11.5%.

8. Illinois

Average sales tax: 8.96%

With a 6.25% statewide sales tax and local sales taxes that average 2.71%, Illinois has the eighth-highest combined sales tax rate in the U.S. In the city of Chicago, state and local taxes amount to a sales tax rate of 10.25% for each purchase. And in some jurisdictions in Cook County, such as Calumet City and Glenwood, combined sales tax rates climb as high as 11%.

7. California

Average sales tax: 8.99%

California’s 7.25% statewide sales tax rate is the highest in the country, though the Golden State has a comparatively low average local sales tax of 1.74%. While that averages out to a rate of 8.99%, some cities levy a sales tax a few percentage points higher. Lancaster and Palmdale, both located in Los Angeles County, charge a combined sales tax rate of 11.25%. Cities such as Alameda, Culver City, and Santa Monica aren’t far behind at 10.75%.

6. Oklahoma

Average sales tax: 9.06%

The Sooner State levies one of the lowest statewide sales tax rates of any state in this list, sitting at just 4.5%. But a 4.56% average local sales tax rate brings the combined total up to 9.06%, which is the sixth-highest combined average sales tax rate in the U.S. Local sales taxes reach 10.12% in parts of Oklahoma City and 11% in Clinton.

4. Alabama (tie)

Average sales tax: 9.46%

With a statewide sales tax of just 4%, Alabama is tied with New York for having the lowest statewide sales tax on this list. But Alabama also imposes the highest average local sales tax rate of any U.S. state (5.46%). Total sales tax rates balloon as high as 11.5% in the town of Shorter and the city of Tuskegee, while locations such as Camden and Jemison levy a combined sales tax of 11%.

4. Arkansas (tie)

Average sales tax: 9.46%

Arkansas has the ninth-highest statewide sales tax rate in the U.S. at 6.5%, coupled with a 2.96% average local sales tax rate. The highest combined sales tax is in Sevier County, which levies a 6.125% local rate on top of the 6.5% state rate, followed by Chicot County, where local sales tax rates come in at 6%.

3. Washington

Average sales tax: 9.51%

The Evergreen State charges consumers a 6.5% sales tax, while local municipalities levy an additional average sales tax of 3.01%. The local rate is highest in four jurisdictions in Snohomish County, which is located north of Seattle. Edmonds, Lynwood, Mill Creek, and Mukilteo all levy a 10.6% combined sales tax. Seattle comes in just below that figure, with a sales tax rate of 10.55%.

2. Tennessee

Average sales tax: 9.61%

Tennessee has the second-highest combined sales tax rate in the U.S. This is due to its 7% state sales tax (which ranks second in terms of highest state sales tax) combined with an average local sales tax rate of 2.61%. While some Tennessee counties levy a local rate as low as 2%, the vast majority impose a local tax of 2.75%, bringing the average combined tax rate in most parts of Tennessee up to 9.75%.

1. Louisiana

Average sales tax: 10.11%

The state with the highest combined state and average local sales tax rate in the U.S. is Louisiana. While its 5% statewide sales tax rate ranks 32nd overall, local municipalities in the state levy a 5.11% local sales tax rate on average — second only to local tax rates in Alabama. These taxes rose 0.55% in 2025 after a statewide overhaul of the tax system. The highest rate in the state belongs to Ouachita Parish, which includes the city of Monroe and is located in the north-central part of the state. In Ouachita, consumers pay 13.5% in combined sales tax.