10. New York
Overall Rating for Middle-Class Families: Least tax-friendly
The state sales tax is a 4 percent levy, but localities can lift the percentage, adding as much as 4.875 percent. According to the Tax Foundation, the average combined rate in New York is 8.52 percent. Those who live in the New York City metro area can also see an additional 0.375 percent sales tax in order to support transit.
If you don’t buy expensive footwear and clothing, you’re lucky. An item that costs less than is exempt from sales tax. Prescription drugs and groceries are also free from sales. However, motor vehicle sales aren’t.
Read also: These 38 States Don’t Tax Your Social Security Benefits
