Virginia Sales Tax Rate Calculator
Use this Virginia sales tax calculator to estimate 2026 checkout totals fast. Start with the 5.3% Virginia state sales tax rate, compare 6% totals in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Arlington, and double-check Virginia grocery-tax exemptions before you buy.
Virginia Sales Tax Rates in Major Cities (2026)
| City | Combined Rate | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Norfolk | 6% | Matches common "Norfolk Virginia sales tax rate" searches and coastal retail purchases. |
| Virginia Beach | 6% | Useful for beach-area shopping, hospitality, and tourism purchases. |
| Richmond | 6% | Helpful for comparing the capital-area checkout total. |
| Arlington | 6% | Shows Northern Virginia's higher regional transportation-district rate. |
| Williamsburg / Historic Triangle | 7% | Captures the state's highest combined general sales tax rate. |
Quick Reference — Virginia at 5.75% Combined Rate
| Purchase | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.58 | $10.57 |
| $25.00 | $1.44 | $26.44 |
| $50.00 | $2.88 | $52.88 |
| $100.00 | $5.75 | $105.75 |
| $250.00 | $14.38 | $264.38 |
| $500.00 | $28.75 | $528.75 |
| $1,000.00 | $57.50 | $1057.50 |
| $5,000.00 | $287.50 | $5287.50 |
Virginia Sales Tax Guide (2026)
Virginia sales tax is more location-sensitive than many shoppers expect. Many purchases use the standard 5.3% statewide rate, but regional transportation districts can push the checkout total to 6% in places like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Arlington. The Historic Triangle can reach 7%, which is why city-specific intent matters on this page.
Tax Exemptions in Virginia
- Groceries: Exempt (as of 2023)
- Clothing: Taxed
- Prescription drugs: Exempt in Virginia
How Virginia Sales Tax Works
In Virginia, your total sales tax depends on where the purchase happens. Many purchases use the standard 5.3% rate, while Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and the Historic Triangle can run higher because of regional add-on taxes. That makes a calculator more useful here than relying on a single statewide headline rate.
Virginia Sales Tax Rate by Region
If you searched for the Virginia sales tax rate, the main thing to know is that 5.3% is the starting point, not always the final checkout rate. Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, and Arlington commonly land at 6%, while the Historic Triangle can reach 7%. Use the local-rate field above when you want an exact purchase estimate instead of a statewide average.
How Much Is Virginia Sales Tax on a $100 Purchase?
At the average 5.75% combined Virginia rate, a $100 taxable purchase adds $5.75 in tax for a total of $105.75. In Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, and other 6% localities, the same $100 purchase comes to $106.00. In the Historic Triangle, the total would be $107.00.
Virginia Grocery Tax and Common Exemptions
Virginia eliminated its state grocery tax in 2023 for qualifying food sold for home consumption, so everyday grocery searches should usually land on a no-tax answer. General merchandise, prepared food, and taxable retail purchases still use the applicable Virginia sales tax rate for the city or region where the sale occurs.
Automate Virginia Tax Compliance
Stop calculating sales tax manually. Let software handle Virginia rates, filing, and remittance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
More free tax and finance tools.