Colorado Sales Tax Calculator
Figure the tax, the total, or the pre-tax price for any U.S. state or city rate
Colorado has one of the lowest state sales tax rates in the country at just 2.9% — the lowest among the 45 states that levy a sales tax. However, because the state allows counties, cities, and special districts to layer their own taxes on top, the average combined (state + local) rate reaches 7.89% as of 2025, according to the Tax Foundation.
What that means in practice: buying a $100 item in Denver (which has city and county taxes on top of the state rate) will cost you noticeably more than the state 2.9% alone would suggest. Rates vary widely — a small rural county might land close to 5%, while some city centers in the Denver metro area can push past 9% when all district taxes are stacked.
Groceries are exempt from the Colorado state sales tax. Unprepared food items like produce, meat, and pantry staples are not taxed at the state level — though some local jurisdictions may still apply their own tax to groceries, so check your city's rules.
Worked example: Say you're buying a jacket for $100 in a Colorado city where the combined rate is 7.89%. The sales tax comes to $7.89, so your total at the register is $107.89.
To use this calculator, enter the purchase amount and the applicable combined rate for your location (use 7.89% as a statewide average, or look up your city's exact rate on the Colorado Department of Revenue website). The result gives you the tax amount and grand total instantly.
Practical example — Colorado
A $500 electronics purchase in Denver — where the combined rate is roughly 8.81% — generates about $44.05 in sales tax, bringing the total to $544.05. Using the state average of 7.89% on the same item yields $39.45 in tax.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Colorado?
Colorado's state sales tax rate is 2.9% — the lowest state rate in the US among states with a sales tax. When local taxes from counties, cities, and special districts are added, the average combined rate rises to approximately 7.89% statewide (Tax Foundation, 2025).
Does Colorado have local sales tax on top of the state rate?
Yes. Local jurisdictions including counties, municipalities, and special districts can levy their own sales taxes. For example, Denver adds city and county taxes that can bring the combined rate well above the state's 2.9%. Always check the rate for the specific city or county where the purchase is made.
Are groceries taxed in Colorado?
Unprepared food (groceries) is exempt from Colorado's state sales tax. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared food (restaurant meals or ready-to-eat items) are taxable at the state level. Some local jurisdictions may still tax groceries, so the total depends on where you shop.
What items are exempt from Colorado sales tax?
Besides unprepared groceries, Colorado exempts prescription drugs, certain medical devices, and agricultural products. Some services are also exempt. Non-prescription (over-the-counter) drugs may be taxable. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue for the full exemption list.
How do I find the exact sales tax rate for my Colorado city?
The Colorado Department of Revenue provides an address-level lookup tool at tax.colorado.gov where you can enter a street address to see the exact combined state, county, city, and special district rate that applies to your purchase.