San Francisco
Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate SF sales tax instantly. With a rate of 8.625%, San Francisco has one of the lowest sales tax rates in the Bay Area.
About California Sales Tax
How to Calculate Sales Tax in San Francisco
Reverse Calculation
Know the total? Divide by 1.08625 to find the pre-tax price. Example: $108.63 ÷ 1.08625 = $100.00
What's Taxed?
Understanding SF's Sales Tax Components
California State: 7.25%
California's state rate of 7.25% is the highest statewide rate in the nation. It includes 6% base state tax plus 1.25% mandatory local tax that is distributed to cities and counties throughout California.
SF District Taxes: 1.375%
San Francisco adds 1.375% in special district taxes. These funds support the San Francisco Tourism Improvement District, public transit (BART/Muni), and essential city services. Unlike some Bay Area cities, SF has kept its local rate relatively low.
Total Combined Rate: 7.25% (state) + 1.375% (district) = 8.625% for all of San Francisco. SF has the same rate city-wide, making it simple for businesses and shoppers.
Popular San Francisco Shopping Districts
San Francisco has a uniform sales tax rate of 8.625% throughout the entire city, whether you're shopping in Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf.
| District | Area | Description | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Square | Downtown | Premier shopping district | 8.625% |
| Fisherman's Wharf | Waterfront | Tourist destination | 8.625% |
| Mission District | Central | Arts & dining | 8.625% |
| Hayes Valley | Central | Boutique shopping | 8.625% |
| Haight-Ashbury | Western | Vintage & eclectic | 8.625% |
Note: All San Francisco neighborhoods have the same 8.625% rate. Major shopping destinations include Union Square for luxury retail, Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39 for tourist shopping, Hayes Valley for boutiques, and Haight-Ashbury for vintage finds.
SF vs. Other Bay Area Cities
San Francisco has one of the lowest sales tax rates in the Bay Area
| City | County | Population | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco ⭐ | San Francisco | 842,000 | 8.625% |
| Oakland | Alameda | 440,646 | 10.750% |
| San Jose | Santa Clara | 1,013,240 | 9.375% |
| Berkeley | Alameda | 124,321 | 10.250% |
| Fremont | Alameda | 230,504 | 10.250% |
| Santa Clara | Santa Clara | 127,134 | 9.125% |
Why is SF's rate lower? While San Francisco has high costs in other areas (rent, income tax), the city has kept sales tax relatively low. Oakland (10.75%) and Berkeley (10.25%) have significantly higher rates due to additional city taxes and measures.
SF vs. Other Major California Cities
Compare San Francisco to other major metropolitan areas in California
| City | County | Population | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles | 3,822,238 | 9.750% |
| San Diego | San Diego | 1,386,932 | 7.750% |
| Sacramento | Sacramento | 524,943 | 8.750% |
| Fresno | Fresno | 542,107 | 8.350% |
| Long Beach | Los Angeles | 449,468 | 10.500% |
Vehicle Purchases in San Francisco
Sales Tax on Cars: When you purchase a vehicle in San Francisco, you pay the full 8.625% sales tax rate. This tax is calculated on the purchase price and collected when you register the vehicle with the California DMV.
Example: A $30,000 car in San Francisco incurs $2,587.50 in sales tax (30,000 × 0.08625). The tax is paid at the DMV during registration, not to the dealer directly.
Used Cars: Both new and used vehicles are subject to the same 8.625% rate. Private party sales and dealership sales follow the same rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about San Francisco sales tax