Kansas City Sales Tax
Kansas. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Kansas
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Kansas, including Kansas City.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Reduced rate | Phased reduction to 0% by 2025; local tax still applies |
| 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 | $0.98 | $10.97 |
| $50 | $4.88 | $54.88 |
| $100 | $9.75 | $109.75 |
| $250 | $24.38 | $274.38 |
| $500 | $48.75 | $548.75 |
| $1,000 | $97.50 | $1097.50 |
| $5,000 | $487.50 | $5487.50 |
| $10,000 | $975.00 | $10975.00 |
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 Kansas.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Kansas City | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas (current) | Kansas City | 9.75% | — | — |
| Nebraska | Omaha | 7.00% | -2.75% | $27.50 |
| Missouri | Columbia | 7.95% | -1.80% | $18.00 |
| Colorado | Aurora | 8.00% | -1.75% | $17.50 |
| Oklahoma | Tulsa | 8.52% | -1.23% | $12.30 |
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 Kansas
Wichita has the lowest combined rate in our Kansas coverage at 7.50% — that's 2.25% below Kansas City ($22.50 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Kansas City?
- Kansas City, Kansas charges a combined sales tax of 9.75%. That's 6.50% state tax plus 3.25% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Kansas City?
- Kansas applies a reduced rate to groceries. Phased reduction to 0% by 2025; local tax still applies
- Is clothing taxed in Kansas City?
- Yes — Kansas taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 9.75%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Kansas City?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (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 Kansas Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Kansas state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy