Modesto Sales Tax Rate
8.875% combined in Modesto, Stanislaus County · California's #19 city by population
The sales tax rate in Modesto is 8.875% as of October 13, 2026. That is the 7.25% statewide base plus 1.625% in local district taxes: 0.625% across Stanislaus County and 1.00% from the city itself.
Modesto Sales Tax Calculator
Sales tax at 8.875%
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Where the 8.875% comes from
Every California sale starts at the 7.25% statewide base. Stanislaus County voters and agencies have added 2 district taxes that apply in every city in the county, and Modesto adds 1 of its own. Each line below is from CDTFA's district tax list.
| Tax | Applies in | In effect since | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| State sales and use tax | All of California | — | 6.00% |
| Local sales tax (Bradley-Burns): 1% for city or county operations, 0.25% for county transportation | All of California | — | 1.25% |
| Stanislaus County Library Transactions and Use Tax | Stanislaus County | July 1995 | 0.125% |
| Stanislaus Measure L Local Roads First Transportation | Stanislaus County | April 2017 | 0.50% |
| City of Modesto Transactions and Use Tax | Modesto only | April 2023 | 1.00% |
| Combined rate in Modesto | 8.875% |
Sales tax on common purchases in Modesto
| Price before tax | Tax at 8.875% | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $100.00 | $8.88 | $108.88 |
| $500.00 | $44.38 | $544.38 |
| $1,000.00 | $88.75 | $1,088.75 |
| $2,500.00 | $221.88 | $2,721.88 |
| $35,000.00 (car registered in Modesto) | $3,106.25 | $38,106.25 |
Groceries (most food for home consumption) and prescription medicine are exempt from California sales tax, so these rates apply to taxable goods such as clothing, electronics, furniture, restaurant meals and vehicles.
How Modesto compares
Modesto's 8.875% is the 47th-highest rate among California's 100 largest cities. Across the 9 cities in Stanislaus County, rates run from 7.875% (Hughson, Newman, Patterson and 2 more) to 8.875% (Modesto). Unincorporated areas pay 7.875%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Modesto, California?
Modesto's combined sales tax rate is 8.875% as of October 13, 2026: the 7.25% statewide base plus 1.625% in district taxes (0.625% countywide and 1.00% from the city).
Does Modesto have its own city sales tax?
Yes. Modesto adds 1.00% on top of the county rate through City of Modesto Transactions and Use Tax (1.00%). That city portion applies only inside the city limits.
What is the sales tax on a car bought in Modesto?
For a vehicle, the district tax follows the address where the car is registered, not where the dealer is. Registered at a Modesto address, a car is taxed at 8.875%: $3,106.25 on a $35,000 purchase.
How does Modesto's rate compare with the rest of Stanislaus County?
Rates in Stanislaus County's cities run from 7.875% to 8.875% (Modesto). Modesto is at 8.875%. Unincorporated areas of the county pay 7.875%.
Is the rate the same at every address in Modesto?
Almost always. CDTFA's rate applies across the city limits, but a mailing address can say Modesto while the property sits in an unincorporated area or a neighboring city. Check a specific address with CDTFA's online rate lookup.
Sources
- CDTFA California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates (combined rate for each quarter)
- CDTFA-105, District Taxes, Rates, and Effective Dates and Explanation of Tax Rate Changes (each district tax)
- CDTFA rate lookup by address
Educational information only. Rates are copied from CDTFA's published tables and change on the first day of a calendar quarter when new district taxes start or old ones end. Confirm the rate for a specific address with CDTFA before filing a return.