How Pennsylvania Sales Tax Works
Pennsylvania's state government imposes a 6.00% sales tax on most retail purchases. Counties, cities, and special districts can layer additional local sales tax on top — pushing combined rates to a population-weighted average of 6.34% statewide.
Pennsylvania exempts both groceries and most clothing from sales tax — only Philadelphia (2%) and Allegheny County (1%) impose local rates on top of the 6% state rate.
Groceries in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Clothing in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania fully exempts clothing from sales tax (with narrow exceptions for furs, formalwear, and accessories).
How Pennsylvania Compares to Neighboring States
Sales tax on a $1,000.00 purchase in Pennsylvania versus neighboring states, using each state's average combined rate (state + local):
| State | State Rate | Combined Rate | Tax on $1,000 | vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (here) | 6.00% | 6.34% | $63.40 | — |
| New York | 4.00% | 8.53% | $85.30 | +$21.90 |
| New Jersey | 6.63% | 6.60% | $66.00 | +$2.60 |
| Delaware | None | None | $0.00 | -$63.40 |
| Maryland | 6.00% | 6.00% | $60.00 | -$3.40 |
| West Virginia | 6.00% | 6.57% | $65.70 | +$2.30 |
A negative "vs." figure means a lower sales tax bill on the same purchase. Specific addresses can vary materially from the state-wide average.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pennsylvania sales tax rate for 2026?
Pennsylvania's state sales tax rate is 6.00% for 2026. When combined with the average local sales tax of 0.34%, most Pennsylvania residents pay a typical combined rate of 6.34%.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $100 purchase in Pennsylvania?
On a $100 purchase, expect approximately $6.00 in state sales tax, or about $6.34 including average local sales tax (combined 6.34%). Total cost: roughly $106.34.
Are groceries taxed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax.
Is clothing taxed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania fully exempts clothing from sales tax (with narrow exceptions for furs, formalwear, and accessories).
Is sales tax calculated before or after discounts in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania follows the standard rule used by virtually all states: sales tax is calculated on the final discounted price, not the original price. If a $200 item is on sale for $150, you pay sales tax on $150. Manufacturer coupons can be treated differently in some states.
How is this Pennsylvania sales tax estimate calculated?
The calculator applies Pennsylvania's 6.00% state sales tax rate plus whatever local rate you enter (city + county + special districts). The default Local Rate is 0%; click a city in the table above to fill in its local portion, or look up your specific address with Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue tool.