Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax
State + average local combined rate, category exemptions, and how it compares to neighbors.
State rate
6.00%
Average combined (state + local)
6.34%
Category exemptions
| Category | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt | Unprepared food at grocery stores. |
| Clothing | Exempt | Clothing & footwear exempt (formal wear taxed) |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Prescribed medications dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. |
Example: $100 purchase
- State sales tax only: $6.00
- Combined (state + average local): $6.34
- Total with combined tax: $106.34
Major cities in Pennsylvania
| City | Combined rate | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 8.00% | +1.66% |
| Pittsburgh | 7.00% | +0.66% |
| Allentown | 6.00% | -0.34% |
| Erie | 6.00% | -0.34% |
| Reading | 6.00% | -0.34% |
Border shopping — vs neighboring states
For larger purchases, driving to a neighbor with lower combined rate can save real money.
| State | State rate | Avg combined | vs PA | Save on $1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (current) | 6.00% | 6.34% | — | — |
| Delaware | 0.00% | 0.00% | -6.34% | $63.40 |
| Maryland | 6.00% | 6.00% | -0.34% | $3.40 |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | 6.56% | +0.22% | — |
| New Jersey | 6.63% | 6.63% | +0.29% | — |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 7.26% | +0.92% | — |
| New York | 4.00% | 8.53% | +2.19% | — |
Common questions
- What is the sales tax rate in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania levies a 6.00% state sales tax. With local taxes added, the statewide average combined rate is 6.34%. Actual rate at the register depends on your city and county.
- Does Pennsylvania tax groceries?
- Groceries are exempt from state sales tax in Pennsylvania. Hot or prepared food typically remains taxable.
- Does Pennsylvania have a sales tax holiday?
- Pennsylvania does not run an annual sales tax holiday. For tax-free shopping, consider neighboring states with holidays, or use online retailers based in no-sales-tax states (OR, MT, NH, DE) — though use tax may still apply on out-of-state purchases.
- Who collects sales tax in Pennsylvania?
- The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue collects state-level sales tax; counties and cities add local rates that are remitted through the same return. Out-of-state sellers shipping to Pennsylvania must collect if they exceed economic nexus thresholds (typically $100k in sales or 200 transactions).
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Local rates vary by city and county — your actual rate at the register may differ from the state average. Category-specific exemptions (groceries, prescription drugs, clothing) and tax holidays change by year; check the Pennsylvania DOR for current rules. All states →
Last reviewed: · Beforeview Editorial · editorial policy