The 5 States with No Sales Tax in 2026
Quick Summary
Only 5 states have NO sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon
How much you save: $1,000-$3,000/year depending on spending
The catch: Most have income tax or high property taxes instead
Best overall: New Hampshire (no sales tax + no income tax)
Why Only 5 States?
Sales tax is a massive revenue source for most states. The average American pays $1,200-$2,500/year in sales taxes. States give this up only when they have other strong revenue sources (income tax, property tax, natural resources, etc.).
The 5 no-sales-tax states:
- Alaska
- Delaware
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
1. New Hampshire - The Golden State
Best Overall: No Sales Tax + No Income Tax
Sales Tax: 0%
Income Tax: 0% (phased out completely in 2025)
Property Tax: 2.05% (high)
What you save:
- $25,000 spending = save $2,000/year vs 8% sales tax state
- $75,000 income = save $4,000-$6,000/year vs high-tax states
The trade-off:
- High property taxes (2.05% average)
- On a $400k home: $8,200/year property tax
- Still a win for high earners who rent
Best for:
- High-income professionals (save on income tax)
- People who rent (avoid property tax hit)
- Those who want "Live Free or Die" lifestyle
- Anyone tired of Massachusetts taxes next door
2. Delaware - The Shopping State
Low Property Tax + No Sales Tax
Sales Tax: 0%
Income Tax: 2.2%-6.6% (progressive)
Property Tax: 0.59% (very low!)
What you save:
- $20,000 spending = save $1,600/year vs 8% state
- On $400k home: Only $2,360/year property tax
Why it's popular:
- Tax-free shopping destination: People from PA, NJ, MD drive to DE to shop
- Low property taxes: Among the lowest in America
- No sales tax on big purchases: Cars, furniture, electronics all tax-free
- Beach access: Rehoboth Beach popular with DC/Philly/NY crowd
Best for:
- Retirees on fixed income
- People who make large purchases (cars, furniture)
- Those wanting beach lifestyle near major cities
3. Oregon - Progressive Paradise
No Sales Tax, But High Income Tax
Sales Tax: 0%
Income Tax: 4.75%-9.9% (progressive)
Property Tax: 0.90% (reasonable)
What you save:
- $30,000 spending = save $2,400/year vs WA's 10% sales tax
The trade-off:
- High income tax: 9.9% top rate kicks in at $125k
- Making $150k = pay $12,500 income tax
- Not a low-tax state overall
Best for:
- Lower-income individuals (under $50k)
- People who value OR lifestyle (nature, Portland, coast)
- Those who don't mind income tax
4. Montana - Big Sky Savings
No Sales Tax in Most of State
Sales Tax: 0% (but some resort towns levy local "resort tax")
Income Tax: 4.7%-5.9% (progressive)
Property Tax: 0.74% (low)
What you save:
- $25,000 spending = save $2,000/year
The catch:
- Resort towns (Big Sky, Whitefish) levy local taxes
- Very rural = limited job opportunities
- Harsh winters
Best for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts
- Remote workers who value nature
- Retirees seeking low cost of living
5. Alaska - Natural Resource Funded
No State Sales Tax (But Local Taxes Exist)
State Sales Tax: 0%
Local Sales Tax: Up to 7.5% in some cities
Income Tax: 0%
Property Tax: 1.04% (varies widely)
What you save:
- Depends on city - Anchorage has 0%, Juneau has 5%
Why no state sales tax?
- Oil revenue funds the state
- Alaska Permanent Fund pays residents ~$1,000-$2,000/year dividend
The reality:
- High cost of living (everything shipped in)
- Harsh climate
- Limited job opportunities outside Anchorage
- Isolated from rest of US
Best for:
- Adventurous types
- Oil/gas workers
- People who love wilderness
How Much Do You Actually Save?
Real Savings Examples
Family spending $30,000/year on taxable goods:
| State Type | Sales Tax Rate | Annual Sales Tax | Savings (vs no tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Sales-Tax States | 0% | $0 | --- |
| California | 7.25-10.25% | $2,475 | -$2,475 |
| Tennessee | 9.55% | $2,865 | -$2,865 |
| Texas | 8.20% | $2,460 | -$2,460 |
Over 20 years: Save $49,000-$57,000 in sales taxes!
The Verdict: Which No-Sales-Tax State is Best?
For overall tax savings: New Hampshire wins (no income tax + no sales tax)
For homeowners: Delaware wins (no sales tax + very low property tax)
For lifestyle: Oregon if you love nature and don't mind income tax
For adventure: Alaska or Montana if you're okay with remote living