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
Rates verified against official government data
Cross-checked against the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) — last verified April 2026.
View the official sourceHow 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 | 10.000% |
| 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