Saint Paul Sales Tax
Minnesota. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Minnesota
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Minnesota, including Saint Paul.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Exempt | 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 | $4.44 | $54.44 |
| $100 | $8.88 | $108.88 |
| $250 | $22.20 | $272.20 |
| $500 | $44.40 | $544.40 |
| $1,000 | $88.80 | $1088.80 |
| $5,000 | $444.00 | $5444.00 |
| $10,000 | $888.00 | $10888.00 |
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 Minnesota.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Saint Paul | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (current) | Saint Paul | 8.88% | — | — |
| Wisconsin | Madison | 5.50% | -3.38% | $33.80 |
| South Dakota | Rapid City | 6.40% | -2.48% | $24.80 |
| North Dakota | Bismarck | 7.00% | -1.88% | $18.80 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | 7.00% | -1.88% | $18.80 |
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 Minnesota
Rochester has the lowest combined rate in our Minnesota coverage at 8.13% — that's 0.76% below Saint Paul ($7.55 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Saint Paul?
- Saint Paul, Minnesota charges a combined sales tax of 8.88%. That's 6.88% state tax plus 2.00% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Saint Paul?
- Minnesota 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 Saint Paul?
- Minnesota treats clothing favorably. Most everyday clothing & footwear are exempt; verify limits for higher-priced items, accessories, or formal wear.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Saint Paul?
- Three levers: (1) shop online from a state with no sales tax, (2) buy exempt categories (groceries, clothing, 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 Minnesota Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Minnesota state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy