Chicago Sales Tax
Calculator
Calculate Chicago sales tax instantly. With a combined rate of 10.250%, Chicago has one of the highest sales tax rates in the United States.
About Illinois Sales Tax
How to Calculate Sales Tax in Chicago
Reverse Calculation
Know the total? Divide by 1.1025 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $110.25 ÷ 1.1025 = $100.00
What's Taxed?
Understanding Chicago's Sales Tax Components
State Tax: 6.25%
The Illinois state sales tax rate of 6.25% applies throughout the entire state.
Cook County: 1.75%
Cook County adds a 1.75% local sales tax that applies throughout the county, including Chicago.
Chicago City: 1.25%
The City of Chicago adds an additional 1.25% municipal sales tax.
RTA Tax: 1.00%
The Regional Transportation Authority tax funds CTA, Metra, and Pace transit systems.
Total Combined Rate: 6.25% + 1.75% + 1.25% + 1% = 10.250%. This is one of the highest combined rates in the United States.
Chicago vs. Other Illinois Cities
See how Chicago's sales tax compares to other major cities in Illinois
| City | County | Population | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago ⭐ | Cook | 2,721,308 | 10.250% |
| Naperville | DuPage | 153,124 | 7.750% |
| Joliet | Will | 151,837 | 8.750% |
| Rockford | Winnebago | 147,486 | 8.750% |
| Elgin | Kane | 114,701 | 8.500% |
| Springfield | Sangamon | 112,949 | 9.750% |
| Peoria | Peoria | 111,696 | 9.000% |
| Champaign | Champaign | 91,961 | 9.000% |
| Bloomington | McLean | 79,232 | 9.750% |
| Schaumburg | Cook | 77,099 | 10.000% |
| Evanston | Cook | 76,006 | 10.250% |
Chicago vs. Neighboring States
Compare Chicago's sales tax to nearby Indiana and Wisconsin
local tax
local tax
Chicago's 10.250% rate is significantly higher than neighboring states. The 10.25% rate makes Chicago one of the most expensive cities for sales tax in the United States.
Chicago vs. Other Major US Cities
How does Chicago's 10.25% rate compare to other large cities?
| City | State | Sales Tax Rate | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa | Alabama | 11.00% | #1 |
| Long Beach | California | 10.25% | Tied #2 |
| Chicago ⭐ | Illinois | 10.25% | Tied #2 |
| Seattle | Washington | 10.35% | #4 |
| Los Angeles | California | 9.50% | - |
| New York City | New York | 8.875% | - |
| Houston | Texas | 8.25% | - |
| Phoenix | Arizona | 8.60% | - |
Key Insight: Chicago ties for the second-highest sales tax rate among major US cities. The 10.25% rate places a significant burden on consumers, particularly for big-ticket items like electronics, furniture, and vehicles.
Popular Shopping Districts in Chicago
All Chicago locations have the same 10.25% sales tax rate
Magnificent Mile
Chicago's premier shopping destination on North Michigan Avenue features luxury retailers, department stores, and high-end boutiques. All purchases are subject to the full 10.25% tax.
State Street
Historic downtown shopping corridor with major department stores, theater district, and diverse retail options. Same 10.25% rate applies throughout the Loop area.
Oak Street
Ultra-luxury shopping street near the Gold Coast with designer boutiques and upscale galleries. High-end purchases incur significant tax: $10,250 on a $100,000 item.
Wicker Park & Bucktown
Trendy neighborhoods known for independent boutiques, vintage shops, and local artisan goods. The 10.25% rate applies equally to small local businesses and national chains.
Shopping Tip: Unlike some states, Illinois doesn't have sales tax holidays. Consider shopping in nearby suburbs with lower rates (typically 7-9%) or across state lines in Indiana (7%) for major purchases to save on sales tax.
Chicago Sales Tax Rate History
Current rate: 6.25% state + 1.75% Cook County + 1.25% city + 1% RTA. No changes since 2016, making Chicago's rate one of the most stable (and highest) in the nation.
Rate fluctuated between 9.25% and 10.00% due to various county and city tax changes. Cook County briefly lowered its rate in 2008, then raised it again to address budget shortfalls.
Chicago's sales tax was below 9% for most of its history. The steady increases over the past two decades reflect infrastructure funding needs, pension obligations, and public transit investments.
Future Outlook: While no rate changes are currently scheduled, local governments may adjust rates to address budget needs. The Illinois General Assembly typically announces tax changes with several months' notice.
Sales Tax on Vehicles in Chicago
How Chicago's 10.25% rate affects car purchases
Vehicle Tax Examples
Important Vehicle Tax Info
Money-Saving Tip: Some Chicago residents choose to purchase vehicles in Indiana (7% tax) or Wisconsin (5% state tax) to save thousands on large purchases. However, you must register the vehicle within 30 days and pay the difference in sales tax to Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators & Resources
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Chicago sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state and local legislation. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Illinois Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.
Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.
Sources: Illinois Department of Revenue, Cook County Government, City of Chicago, Regional Transportation Authority
Last updated: October 13, 2025