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Sales Tax by City

Houston, Texas Sales Tax Calculator

The combined sales tax rate in Houston, Texas is 8.250%. Houston is at the 2% local cap on top of the 6.25% Texas base. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt.

Total with tax
$108.20
Combined rate 8.200%
Purchase amount$100.00
State tax (6.250%)$6.25
Local tax (1.950%)$1.95
Total tax$8.20
Texas notes: No state income tax. Groceries exempt. Local rate capped at 2%. Statewide average combined rate: 8.20%. Max local rate: 2.00%. Groceries: exempt from state tax.
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Sales tax in Houston

The 8.250% you pay at a Houston register is made up of 6.25% state tax plus roughly 2.000% in local taxes — a combination of county, city, and special-district levies. Houston is at the 2% local cap on top of the 6.25% Texas base. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt.

That tracks closely with the Texas statewide average of 8.20%.

Texas exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxable at the full combined rate.

For exact tax on a transaction at a specific Houston address, use the Texas Department of Revenue's lookup or a tool like Avalara. Rates can vary block-by-block when special tax districts cover part of the city.

Houston rate breakdown: Combined rate 8.250% = TX state 6.25% + local 2.000% (county + city + transit + special districts).
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Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Houston, Texas?

The combined sales tax rate in Houston is 8.250%. That includes the Texas state portion plus county, city, and any applicable special-district taxes.

How is the Houston sales tax broken down?

Houston's 8.250% combined rate is made up of: 6.25% state, plus local additions including county, city, and any transit or special-district taxes. See the breakdown in the calculator above for any purchase amount.

What is the sales tax on a $100 purchase in Houston?

At a combined rate of 8.250%, sales tax on $100 in Houston is $8.25, bringing the total to $108.25.

Are groceries taxed in Houston?

Texas exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax — they're not taxed in Houston either. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at the full 8.250% rate.

Is the sales tax in Houston higher than surrounding cities?

Houston's rate of 8.250% is close to the Texas statewide average of 8.20%. Some neighbors may be a fraction of a percent higher or lower.

Other cities in Texas

San Antonio

Combined 8.250%

Open calculator →

Dallas

Combined 8.250%

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Austin

Combined 8.250%

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Related calculators

Texas Sales Tax (statewide)

State-level rates and rules for all of Texas.

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All-State Sales Tax Calculator

Combined rates for all 50 states + DC.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, accounting, or legal advice. Tax rates, regulations, and economic data change frequently. Consult a qualified accountant or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.