Sales Tax by City

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Sales Tax Calculator

Milwaukee has a combined sales tax rate of 7.900% — meaningfully higher than the Wisconsin statewide average of 5.70%. 5% state + 0.9% Milwaukee County + 2% city (added in 2024 to fund pensions). One of the largest recent local-rate increases.

Purchase amount

StateOverride with a specific city or county local rate

Total with tax

$105.70

Combined rate 5.700%

Purchase amount$100.00

State tax (5.000%)$5.00

Local tax (0.700%)$0.70

Total tax$5.70

Wisconsin notes: Groceries exempt. Statewide average combined rate: 5.70%. Max local rate: 1.75%. Groceries: exempt from state tax.

Sales tax in Milwaukee

The 7.900% you pay at a Milwaukee register is made up of 5.00% state tax plus roughly 2.900% in local taxes — a combination of county, city, and special-district levies. 5% state + 0.9% Milwaukee County + 2% city (added in 2024 to fund pensions). One of the largest recent local-rate increases.

That's higher than the Wisconsin average of 5.70%. Most large Wisconsin 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.

Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee address, use the Wisconsin 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.

Milwaukee rate breakdown: Combined rate 7.900% = WI state 5.00% + local 2.900% (county + city + transit + special districts).

Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

The combined sales tax rate in Milwaukee is 7.900%. That includes the Wisconsin state portion plus county, city, and any applicable special-district taxes.

How is the Milwaukee sales tax broken down?

Milwaukee's 7.900% combined rate is made up of: 5.00% 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 Milwaukee?

At a combined rate of 7.900%, sales tax on $100 in Milwaukee is $7.90, bringing the total to $107.90.

Are groceries taxed in Milwaukee?

Wisconsin exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax — they're not taxed in Milwaukee either. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at the full 7.900% rate.

Is the sales tax in Milwaukee higher than surrounding cities?

Yes — Milwaukee's combined rate of 7.900% is above the Wisconsin statewide average of 5.70%. Suburbs and smaller cities in the same state often pay lower combined rates.

Other cities in Wisconsin

Madison

Combined 5.500%

Open calculator →

Related calculators

Wisconsin Sales Tax (statewide)

State-level rates and rules for all of Wisconsin.

Open calculator →

All-State Sales Tax Calculator

Combined rates for all 50 states + DC.

Open calculator →

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.