San Jose Sales Tax
California. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in California
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of California, including San Jose.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Cold food exempt; hot/prepared food taxed |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.94 | $10.94 |
| $50 | $4.69 | $54.69 |
| $100 | $9.38 | $109.38 |
| $250 | $23.44 | $273.44 |
| $500 | $46.88 | $546.88 |
| $1,000 | $93.75 | $1093.75 |
| $5,000 | $468.75 | $5468.75 |
| $10,000 | $937.50 | $10937.50 |
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 California.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs San Jose | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California (current) | San Jose | 9.38% | — | — |
| Oregon | Portland | 0.00% | -9.38% | $93.75 |
| Arizona | Chandler | 7.80% | -1.57% | $15.75 |
| Nevada | Reno | 8.27% | -1.11% | $11.10 |
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 California
San Diego has the lowest combined rate in our California coverage at 7.75% — that's 1.63% below San Jose ($16.25 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in San Jose?
- San Jose, California charges a combined sales tax of 9.38%. That's 7.25% state tax plus 2.13% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in San Jose?
- California exempts unprepared groceries from state sales tax. Cold food exempt; hot/prepared food taxed
- Is clothing taxed in San Jose?
- Yes — California taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 9.38%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in San Jose?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (2) buy exempt categories (groceries, 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 California Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → California state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy