States Where Groceries Are Tax-Free

2026

Complete list of US states with no sales tax on unprepared groceries in 2026. 32 states + DC fully exempt; 5 states reduced rate; 13 states fully tax.

Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Top 10 states with notable grocery exemption history

Sales tax treatment of unprepared groceries (food for home consumption) at the state level for 2026. Local jurisdictions may layer additional taxes. Sourced from Federation of Tax Administrators sales-tax-on-groceries report + individual state revenue departments.

  1. 1

    Alaska

    Alaska — No state sales tax at all. Some boroughs/cities tax groceries (Juneau 5%, others vary). Anchorage and Fairbanks have no local sales tax on groceries.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  2. 2

    Arizona

    Arizona — Exempt from state sales tax (5.6%). Cities/counties may tax groceries (Mesa, Scottsdale do; Phoenix doesn't). Combined rate on groceries: 0% in most of state.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  3. 3

    California

    California — Exempt from state + local sales tax (8.85% combined avg). Most groceries fully tax-free. Prepared/hot foods taxable. Bottled water exempt; carbonated beverages taxable.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  4. 4

    Florida

    Florida — Exempt from state (6%) + most local. Groceries 100% tax-free statewide. Prepared/restaurant food taxable at 6% + local.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  5. 5

    Georgia

    Georgia — Exempt from state sales tax (4%). Most counties exempt local; some still tax. Groceries effectively 0% in most of state.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  6. 6

    Massachusetts

    Massachusetts — Exempt from state (6.25%). No local sales tax additions. 100% tax-free groceries statewide. Prepared food taxable at 6.25% + 0.75% local meals tax.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  7. 7

    Michigan

    Michigan — Exempt from state (6%). No local sales tax. 100% tax-free groceries statewide.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  8. 8

    New Jersey

    New Jersey — Exempt from state (6.625%). No local sales tax. 100% tax-free groceries statewide. Also exempts clothing year-round.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  9. 9

    New York

    New York — Exempt from state (4%) + most local. Groceries 100% tax-free. Carbonated beverages, candy, bottled water in vending machines taxable.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  10. 10

    Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania — Exempt from state (6%). Some prepared groceries taxable but most home-consumption food is exempt. Also exempts most clothing.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →

Methodology note: This listicle is curated based on Q1 2026 data verified against each state's Department of Revenue + Tax Foundation 50-state reports. Rankings reflect tax structure and are not investment advice. Cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, and personal preferences should also factor into relocation decisions.