Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Colorado Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
2.90%
Average combined (state + local)
7.82%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Taxed (full rate) | Everyday apparel and footwear. |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $2.90
- Combined (state + average local): $7.82
- Total with combined tax: $107.82
Major cities in Colorado
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | 8.81% | +0.99% |
| Colorado Springs | 8.20% | +0.38% |
| Aurora | 8.00% | +0.18% |
| Fort Collins | 8.55% | +0.73% |
| Boulder | 8.86% | +1.04% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs CO | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado (current) | 2.90% | 7.82% | — | — |
| Wyoming | 4.00% | 5.44% | -2.38% | $23.80 |
| Nebraska | 5.50% | 6.97% | -0.85% | $8.50 |
| Utah | 4.85% | 7.44% | -0.38% | $3.80 |
| New Mexico | 4.88% | 7.62% | -0.20% | $2.00 |
| Arizona | 5.60% | 8.43% | +0.61% | — |
| Kansas | 6.50% | 8.69% | +0.87% | — |
| Oklahoma | 4.50% | 9.01% | +1.19% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Colorado?
- Colorado levies a 2.90% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 7.82%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Colorado tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in Colorado. Hot or prepared food typically remains taxable.
- Does Colorado have a sales tax holiday?
- Colorado does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in Colorado?
- The Colorado Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Colorado must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Colorado DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy