Durham Sales Tax
North Carolina. Combined state + county + city. Category exemptions and how it compares to neighboring states.
Category exemptions in North Carolina
What gets taxed and what's exempt — these rules apply across the entire state of North Carolina, including Durham.
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Exempt from state; subject to 2% local food tax |
| 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 | $0.78 | $10.78 |
| $50 | $3.88 | $53.88 |
| $100 | $7.75 | $107.75 |
| $250 | $19.38 | $269.38 |
| $500 | $38.75 | $538.75 |
| $1,000 | $77.50 | $1077.50 |
| $5,000 | $387.50 | $5387.50 |
| $10,000 | $775.00 | $10775.00 |
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 North Carolina.
| State | Reference city | Rate | vs Durham | $1,000 savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | Durham | 7.75% | — | — |
| Virginia | Virginia Beach | 6.00% | -1.75% | $17.50 |
| Georgia | Savannah | 7.00% | -0.75% | $7.50 |
| South Carolina | Columbia | 8.00% | +0.25% | — |
| Tennessee | Nashville | 9.25% | +1.50% | — |
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 North Carolina
Greensboro has the lowest combined rate in our North Carolina coverage at 6.75% — that's 1.00% below Durham ($10.00 less per $1,000 spent).
Common questions
- What is the total sales tax rate in Durham?
- Durham, North Carolina charges a combined sales tax of 7.75%. That's 4.75% state tax plus 3.00% local (county + city + special district) on top.
- Are groceries taxed in Durham?
- North Carolina exempts unprepared groceries from state sales tax. Exempt from state; subject to 2% local food tax
- Is clothing taxed in Durham?
- Yes — North Carolina taxes clothing at the full combined rate of 7.75%.
- How do I save on sales tax when shopping in Durham?
- 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 North Carolina Department of Revenue for current rules. Methodology → North Carolina state rate →
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