Grand Island Sales Tax
Nebraska. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Nebraska
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Nebraska, including Grand Island.
| 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 | $0.75 | $10.75 |
| $50 | $3.75 | $53.75 |
| $100 | $7.50 | $107.50 |
| $250 | $18.75 | $268.75 |
| $500 | $37.50 | $537.50 |
| $1,000 | $75.00 | $1075.00 |
| $5,000 | $375.00 | $5375.00 |
| $10,000 | $750.00 | $10750.00 |
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 Nebraska.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Grand Island | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska (current) | Grand Island | 7.50% | — | — |
| Wyoming | Casper | 5.00% | -2.50% | $25.00 |
| South Dakota | Rapid City | 6.40% | -1.10% | $11.00 |
| Iowa | Des Moines | 7.00% | -0.50% | $5.00 |
| Kansas | Wichita | 7.50% | +0.00% | — |
| Missouri | Columbia | 7.95% | +0.45% | — |
| Colorado | Aurora | 8.00% | +0.50% | — |
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 Nebraska
Omaha has the lowest combined rate in our Nebraska coverage at 7.00% — that's 0.50% below Grand Island ($5.00 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Grand Island?
- Grand Island, Nebraska charges a combined sales tax of 7.50%. That's 5.50% state tax plus 2.00% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Grand Island?
- Nebraska 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 Grand Island?
- Yes — Nebraska taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 7.50%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Grand Island?
- 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 Nebraska Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Nebraska state rate →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy