Taxes
Alabama vs California: State Sales Tax
Alabama has a lower state sales tax rate than California.
National Rankings
Where They Rank Nationally
See where both states fall among all 50 states for state sales tax.
Alabama
#7 · 4.00%
California
#50 · 7.25%
Best
Worst
10 Best States — State Sales Tax
Lower is better
#1
Alaska
None (0%)
Alaska
#2
Delaware
None (0%)
Delaware
#3
Montana
None (0%)
Montana
#4
New Hampshire
None (0%)
New Hampshire
#5
Oregon
None (0%)
Oregon
#6
Colorado
2.90%
Colorado
#7
Alabama
4.00%
Alabama
#8
Georgia
4.00%
Georgia
#9
Hawaii
4.00%
Hawaii
#10
New York
4.00%
New York
Selected states
#50
California
7.25%
California
Alabama ranks 7th and California ranks 50th nationally for state sales tax.
Related context
Tax Burden Picture
Sales tax is paid by nearly everyone — higher rates hit lower-income households proportionally harder.
What this means
Alabama vs California: State Sales Tax in context
Alabama's state sales tax is 4.00%, compared with 7.25% in California. State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).
Alabama
4.00%
California
7.25%
Difference
3.25 percentage points
People also ask
Alabama vs California State Sales Tax — common questions
QWhat is Alabama's state sales tax?
Alabama's state sales tax is 4.00%.
QWhat is California's state sales tax?
California's state sales tax is 7.25%.
QWhich state has a lower state sales tax — Alabama or California?
Alabama has a lower state sales tax rate than California.
More comparisons: Alabama vs California
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Data source and freshness
Primary source
Data period
2026 comparison
Dataset reviewed
July 23, 2026
Method note
Statewide base sales tax rate; local additions and taxable bases differ.