Mobile Sales Tax
Alabama. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Alabama
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Alabama, including Mobile.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Reduced rate | Reduced 3% state rate (eff. Sep 2023); local rates may add 4-5% |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Alabama sales tax holiday
At 10.00% combined rate, a $500 clothing purchase normally costs $50.00in tax. On the tax-free weekend (within caps), that's $0.00.
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $1.00 | $11.00 |
| $50 | $5.00 | $55.00 |
| $100 | $10.00 | $110.00 |
| $250 | $25.00 | $275.00 |
| $500 | $50.00 | $550.00 |
| $1,000 | $100.00 | $1100.00 |
| $5,000 | $500.00 | $5500.00 |
| $10,000 | $1000.00 | $11000.00 |
Border shopping — neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighboring state with lower sales tax can save real money. Top metro sales tax in each contiguous neighbor of Alabama.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Mobile | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama (current) | Mobile | 10.00% | — | — |
| Florida | Orlando | 6.50% | -3.50% | $35.00 |
| Georgia | Savannah | 7.00% | -3.00% | $30.00 |
| Mississippi | Gulfport | 7.00% | -3.00% | $30.00 |
| Tennessee | Nashville | 9.25% | -0.75% | $7.50 |
Use tax (state where you live) may still apply on out-of-state purchases for items shipped or for registered goods like vehicles. For everyday retail walked across the border, savings are realized at point of sale.
Other cities in Alabama
Huntsville has the lowest combined rate in our Alabama coverage at 9.00% — that's 1.00% below Mobile ($10.00 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Mobile?
- Mobile, Alabama charges a combined sales tax of 10.00%. That's 4.00% state tax plus 6.00% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Mobile?
- Alabama applies a reduced rate to groceries. Reduced 3% state rate (eff. Sep 2023); local rates may add 4-5%
- Is clothing taxed in Mobile?
- Yes — Alabama taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 10.00%. Look for the Back-to-School Holiday (Late July (3rd weekend)) when clothing < $100, computers < $750, school supplies < $50 are tax-free.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Mobile?
- Three levers: (1) the Back-to-School Holiday in Late July (3rd weekend), (2) buy exempt categories (prescription drugs), (3) drive across the border if a nearby state has a lower rate.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local sales tax rates change frequently and may include special district levies not modeled here. Verify with the retailer or local taxing authority for large purchases. Category exemption rules and tax holidays change by year — check the Alabama Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Alabama state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy