I found out that sales tax in CA is 7.25%, and I was wondering whether it is charged on shoes, clothes, groceries, and meals. Can anyone help?

The sales tax changes depending upon what city or county you are in, so it's not 7.25 everywhere. It is charged on most of the items you mentioned. There are some exceptions in the groceries -- some basic food products are exempt, but others (i.e. alcohol) are not. Meals at restaurants are taxed unless they are taken out (i.e. eat-in vs. take-out). Sometimes you get taxed even if you take it out. It tends to be confusing, even to us natives.
I wish it was done like in Europe, where the price you see is the price you get -- tax inclusive -- but it's not.

Thanx a mint for the info, Fran. Looks like things will be more expensive than I thought.

In Los Angeles, the tax is 8.25%.

Yipes mary f!! I thought 7+% was high...it's 5% in Mass and it doesn't apply to shoes, clothes, or groceries! I'm gonna miss that

Klam, in San Diego, it's around 7.75%. No edible grocery items you buy, including candy, are taxed. Alcohol, paper goods, cleaners, etc. are taxed.
Maybe in Mass. you pay higher property taxes.

Barbara, you're probably right about the property taxes...they have to pay for everything some how And they're not doing it thru income tax (MA is 5.3%, CA is 9.3%).

I'm heading to the Pleasanton area (outside SF) and can already feel my wallet shrinking! LOL

Klam, I hate to tell you but Pleasanton is 8.25%

Grasshopper was right. It's 8.25% tax in Pleasanton.

And just so you know, the traffic is really bad on I-580!

Utahtea

Thanx Grasshopper and Utahtea (like that tag)...I guess our consolation is that at least we will have a job

klam,

I take it you are moving to the area. If you think our sales tax is high, wait to you see what the price of buying a home or renting is! OY!

Utahtea

Welcome to the Pleasanton area. This a fabulous region of Calif. Check out Tri-Valley Conv. & Visitors Bureau at www.trivalleycvb.com for info about wineries and attractions.