The sticker price isn't the price
In the US, tax is added at the register, not on the tag — and it varies by city. See what a purchase really costs in each city, what's exempt, and how tipping works.
| City | Sales tax | You actually pay |
|---|---|---|
| Miami, FL | 7% | $1,070.00 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | 8.25% | $1,082.50 |
| Austin, TX | 8.25% | $1,082.50 |
| Houston, TX | 8.25% | $1,082.50 |
| New York City, NYClothing and footwear under $110 per item are tax-free. | 8.875% | $1,088.75 |
| Chicago, IL | 10.25% | $1,102.50 |
Unprepared groceries are exempt from sales tax in Texas, Florida, and New York (Illinois differs). Restaurant and prepared food is taxed everywhere.
And then there's tipping
US prices rarely include the full amount you'll pay. Beyond sales tax: restaurants with table service expect 18–22% (tip on the pre-tax amount), food delivery 15–20%, bartenders $1–2 per drink, hair stylists 15–20%, and rideshares a couple of dollars. Counter-service tip screens are common; tipping there is genuinely optional.
Combined state + local rates on general goods, mid-2026, verified against state revenue data. Rates change occasionally — treat cents as approximate.