Las Vegas Sales Tax
Nevada. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in Nevada
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of Nevada, including Las Vegas.
| 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 | $0.84 | $10.84 |
| $50 | $4.19 | $54.19 |
| $100 | $8.38 | $108.38 |
| $250 | $20.95 | $270.95 |
| $500 | $41.90 | $541.90 |
| $1,000 | $83.80 | $1083.80 |
| $5,000 | $419.00 | $5419.00 |
| $10,000 | $838.00 | $10838.00 |
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 Nevada.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Las Vegas | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada (current) | Las Vegas | 8.38% | — | — |
| Oregon | Portland | 0.00% | -8.38% | $83.80 |
| Idaho | Boise | 6.00% | -2.38% | $23.80 |
| Utah | West Valley City | 7.35% | -1.03% | $10.30 |
| California | San Diego | 7.75% | -0.63% | $6.30 |
| Arizona | Chandler | 7.80% | -0.58% | $5.80 |
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 Nevada
Reno has the lowest combined rate in our Nevada coverage at 8.27% — that's 0.11% below Las Vegas ($1.15 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Las Vegas?
- Las Vegas, Nevada charges a combined sales tax of 8.38%. That's 6.85% state tax plus 1.53% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Las Vegas?
- Nevada 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 Las Vegas?
- Yes — Nevada taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 8.38%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Las Vegas?
- 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 Nevada Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → Nevada state rate →
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