Raleigh, North Carolina Sales Tax Calculator
The combined sales tax rate in Raleigh, North Carolina is 7.250%. Wake County: 4.75% state + 2% county + 0.5% transit. Groceries are subject only to the 2% county portion.
Sales tax in Raleigh
The 7.250% you pay at a Raleigh register is made up of 4.75% state tax plus roughly 2.500% in local taxes — a combination of county, city, and special-district levies. Wake County: 4.75% state + 2% county + 0.5% transit. Groceries are subject only to the 2% county portion.
That tracks closely with the North Carolina statewide average of 6.99%.
North Carolina taxes groceries at a reduced state rate of 2.00%, but local taxes generally still apply at the full local rate.
For exact tax on a transaction at a specific Raleigh address, use the North Carolina 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.