Boulder Sales Tax
Colorado. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Colorado
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Colorado, including Boulder.
| 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. |
Sales tax on common amounts
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $0.89 | $10.89 |
| $50 | $4.43 | $54.43 |
| $100 | $8.86 | $108.86 |
| $250 | $22.15 | $272.15 |
| $500 | $44.30 | $544.30 |
| $1,000 | $88.60 | $1088.60 |
| $5,000 | $443.00 | $5443.00 |
| $10,000 | $886.00 | $10886.00 |
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 Colorado.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Boulder | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado (current) | Boulder | 8.86% | — | — |
| Wyoming | Casper | 5.00% | -3.86% | $38.60 |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 7.00% | -1.86% | $18.60 |
| Utah | West Valley City | 7.35% | -1.51% | $15.10 |
| Kansas | Wichita | 7.50% | -1.36% | $13.60 |
| New Mexico | Rio Rancho | 7.63% | -1.23% | $12.35 |
| Arizona | Chandler | 7.80% | -1.06% | $10.60 |
| Oklahoma | Tulsa | 8.52% | -0.34% | $3.40 |
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 Colorado
Aurora has the lowest combined rate in our Colorado coverage at 8.00% — that's 0.86% below Boulder ($8.60 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Boulder?
- Boulder, Colorado charges a combined sales tax of 8.86%. That's 2.90% state tax plus 5.96% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Boulder?
- Colorado exempts unprepared groceries from state sales tax. Hot or prepared food (deli, restaurant, hot bar) is still taxable at the full combined rate.
- Is clothing taxed in Boulder?
- Yes — Colorado taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 8.86%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Boulder?
- 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 Colorado Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Colorado state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy