Moneywise

Mon, Jun 16, 2025, 2:05 AM5 min read

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If you live in LA County, you could pay more at the checkout. As of April 1, the sales tax rate in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County — and in cities without their own special tax measures — increased from 9.5% to 9.75%.

But that's just the baseline. Many cities across the county — including Long Beach, Glendale and West Hollywood — will now see a 10.5% tax. Others, like Lancaster and Palmdale, have pushed rates even higher, up to 11.25%, after approving additional tax hikes.

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The increase follows voters approving Measure A in November 2024, which replaced the existing Measure H quarter-cent tax with a half-cent tax hike. The increase is aimed at funding countywide homeless services.

Measure A, a new sales tax in LA County starting April 1, 2025, will raise over $1 billion annually, with 60% going to homeless services and 40% to affordable housing. Some cities, including Santa Monica and Pico Rivera, are now subject to the new tax rules.

While the tax increase seems small on minor purchases, it can add up on larger items. In Westlake Village, shoppers are already noticing a difference: The LA County side now pays 9.75%, while the Ventura County side pays 7.25%.

“So if I have a choice, I’m going to the one where it’s less,” Laura, a shopper, told CBS News.

And Laura isn’t alone.

“As soon as I saw the bill today, I was like, whoa! I’m pregnant, so I’m trying to save money during this time,” Brittney Mukar, another shopper, added.

Not everyone is convinced the additional funds will be well spent. LA County leaders have faced criticism after an audit from November 2024 found the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) could not track how nearly $2.5 billion in funding was spent.

“I’m all for helping the homeless — I’m not for wasting my money,” said Laura.

With higher prices and economic uncertainty already straining household budgets, even a modest increase in sales tax can affect your bottom line. Here are a few ways to soften the blow.