Modesto Sales Tax Calculator
The combined sales tax rate in Modesto, California is 8.875% in 2026 — a 7.25% California state rate plus 1.63% in local add-ons. That is the 232nd highest rate of the 483 California cities we track, and it runs below California's 8.98% average. On a $100 purchase that's $8.88 in tax for a $108.88 total.
$100.00 total
Before tax: $100.00 · Sales tax: $0.00 (0%)
State & average combined rates: Tax Foundation 2026. Local rates vary by city/county — adjust the rate for an exact figure. How we calculate →
Modesto sales tax rate in 2026
Modesto charges a combined sales tax rate of 8.875%: the California statewide base of 7.25% plus 1.63% in city, county and district add-ons. Modesto is in Stanislaus County.
That local add-on is set by Modesto and the taxing districts that overlap it, which is why neighboring cities in California can charge a different total even a few miles apart.
Modesto vs the rest of California
At 8.875%, Modesto runs below California's 8.98% statewide average combined rate by 0.105%. Among the 483 California cities we track by combined rate, Modesto ranks the 232nd highest.
That makes Modesto comparatively light on sales tax for California, though it's still well above zero.
Sales tax examples in Modesto
At Modesto's 8.875% combined rate:
$100 → $8.88 tax, $108.88 total · $1,000 → $88.75 tax, $1,088.75 total · $25,000 car purchase → $2,219 tax, $27,219 total.
Working backwards: a $1,090.00 receipt total in Modesto means the pre-tax price was $1,001.15 and $88.85 was tax — use “Remove tax” mode above to reverse any total instantly.
A note on Modesto's exact rate
The 8.875% rate applies within Modesto's official city limits as published by CDTFA — Find a Sales and Use Tax Rate. Addresses with a Modesto mailing address but outside the incorporated city line — a common situation on the edges of any city — can fall under a different, usually lower, rate.
For an address-exact rate, use the official lookup tool: CDTFA — Find a Sales and Use Tax Rate. This calculator pre-fills the published city-limits rate as a reliable starting point.
Modesto sales tax — frequently asked questions
What is the sales tax rate in Modesto, California?
Modesto's combined sales tax rate is 8.875% in 2026 — 7.25% California state tax plus 1.63% in local add-ons. That's the 232nd highest rate of the 483 California cities we track.
How much is sales tax on $100 in Modesto?
At Modesto's 8.875% rate, sales tax on a $100 purchase is $8.88, for a $108.88 total.
How much sales tax will I pay on a $25,000 car in Modesto?
At Modesto's 8.875% combined rate, sales tax on a $25,000 vehicle purchase is about $2,219, for a $27,219 total before any trade-in credit or registration fees.
Is Modesto's sales tax higher or lower than the California average?
Modesto runs below California's 8.98% statewide average by 0.105%, ranking the 232nd highest of the 483 California cities we track.
How do I calculate sales tax backwards from a total in Modesto?
Divide the total by 1 plus the rate. A $1,090.00 total in Modesto works back to a $1,001.15 pre-tax price and $88.85 of tax. Use “Remove tax” mode above to do this automatically.
Does Modesto's sales tax rate apply everywhere in the Modesto area?
The 8.875% rate applies within Modesto's official city limits. Nearby addresses outside the incorporated boundary can be taxed at a different rate — check CDTFA — Find a Sales and Use Tax Rate for an address-exact figure.
Compare nearby cities in California
See all 483 California cities ranked by combined sales tax rate, or compare:
Researched & verified by the Calcuris Data & Research Team. How we build and check our tools →