taxes are almost never included in prices in the USA.

they are added on at the time of sale.

we do not have VAT. we have sales taxes. and those sales taxes are different in every city, and sometimes town/state.

and the items that are taxed are also different in every state, and sometimes city/town.

additionally some places have meal taxes, specifically for pre-made and restaurant food.

and many restaurants charge service fees now.

in my city, you would typically pay 7% tax, 2% fee, and 20% tip all added on top of the menu price.

which is why when I get a hamburger and a beer, and it's $30 on the menu, I actually pay $40 or more.