San Francisco’s Sales Tax Revenue Tumbles Despite Tourism Boom

San Francisco’s sales tax revenue, a key metric of economic activity, dipped during the last three quarters of 2023 compared to the same period the prior year.

Pedestrians walk by a closed Whole Foods store in San Francisco on April 12, 2023. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco’s sales tax revenue, a key metric of economic activity, dipped during the last three quarters of 2023 compared to the same period the prior year, according to data released on April 15 by the Controller’s Office.

Citywide sales tax in the last three quarters of 2023 totaled $105,755,003. It fell 5.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022.