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Sales Tax by City

Los Angeles, California Sales Tax Calculator

The combined sales tax rate in Los Angeles, California is 9.500%. LA County adds 1.5% on top of the 7.25% California base, plus a 0.75% LA city portion. Groceries are exempt.

Total with tax
$108.85
Combined rate 8.850%
Purchase amount$100.00
State tax (7.250%)$7.25
Local tax (1.600%)$1.60
Total tax$8.85
California notes: Highest state base rate in the US. Groceries are exempt. Statewide average combined rate: 8.85%. Max local rate: 3.25%. Groceries: exempt from state tax.
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Sales tax in Los Angeles

The 9.500% you pay at a Los Angeles register is made up of 7.25% state tax plus roughly 2.250% in local taxes — a combination of county, city, and special-district levies. LA County adds 1.5% on top of the 7.25% California base, plus a 0.75% LA city portion. Groceries are exempt.

That's higher than the California average of 8.85%. Most large California cities run above the state average because urban areas tend to layer transit taxes, special improvement districts, and arena/stadium taxes on top of the state and county base.

California 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 Los Angeles address, use the California 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.

Los Angeles rate breakdown: Combined rate 9.500% = CA state 7.25% + local 2.250% (county + city + transit + special districts).
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Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Los Angeles, California?

The combined sales tax rate in Los Angeles is 9.500%. That includes the California state portion plus county, city, and any applicable special-district taxes.

How is the Los Angeles sales tax broken down?

Los Angeles's 9.500% combined rate is made up of: 7.25% 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 Los Angeles?

At a combined rate of 9.500%, sales tax on $100 in Los Angeles is $9.50, bringing the total to $109.50.

Are groceries taxed in Los Angeles?

California exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax — they're not taxed in Los Angeles either. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at the full 9.500% rate.

Is the sales tax in Los Angeles higher than surrounding cities?

Yes — Los Angeles's combined rate of 9.500% is above the California statewide average of 8.85%. Suburbs and smaller cities in the same state often pay lower combined rates.

Other cities in California

San Diego

Combined 7.750%

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San Jose

Combined 9.375%

Open calculator →

San Francisco

Combined 8.625%

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Related calculators

California Sales Tax (statewide)

State-level rates and rules for all of California.

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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.