Calculate Your California Mortgage Payment
Our calculator is pre-filled with California's median home price and property tax rate. Adjust the numbers to match your situation.
Open Calculator with CA DefaultsMonthly Payment Breakdown for California
Here's what your monthly payment looks like on the median California home ($760,000) with 20% down at 6.5%:
Note: This estimate assumes 20% down payment ($152,000), no PMI. With less than 20% down, add $253-$507/month for PMI.
California Property Taxes
California's effective property tax rate is 0.76%, which is below the national average of 0.89%.
Annual Property Tax on $760,000 Home
$5,776
($481/month escrowed)
Property Tax Rates by County
Property tax rates in California vary significantly by county, from 0.58% to 1.25%:
Lowest Rates
Highest Rates
Buying a Home in California: Key Facts
- Highest median home prices among top-volume states
- Proposition 13 caps property tax increases at 2% per year
- Property tax rate is below national average (0.76% vs 0.89%)
- Most first-time buyer assistance programs of any state (353)
Mortgage Calculators for Nearby States
Comparing homes across state lines? Check property taxes and home prices in neighboring states:
California First-Time Homebuyer Programs
California has 353 homebuyer assistance programs that can help with down payment and closing costs.
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
Up to 3.5% of purchase price for down payment
Deferred-payment junior loanCalHFA ZIP (Zero Interest Program)
Up to 3% of first mortgage for closing costs
0% interest, deferred payment loanCalifornia Dream For All
Up to 20% of purchase price (shared appreciation)
Shared appreciation loanEligibility requirements typically include income limits, credit score minimums (usually 620+), and homebuyer education courses. Visit DownPaymentResource.com to search for programs you may qualify for.
Official resource: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) — visit for the latest program details, eligibility requirements, and application information.
Home Prices by City in California
Home prices and property taxes can vary significantly by city. The median home price of $760,000 is a statewide average.
| City | Median Home Price | Est. Monthly Payment* |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $900,000 | $5,321/mo |
| San Francisco | $1,400,000 | $8,166/mo |
| San Diego | $901,000 | $5,327/mo |
| San Jose | $1,300,000 | $7,597/mo |
| Sacramento | $472,000 | $2,886/mo |
*20% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed, includes property tax and insurance estimate.
California Mortgage FAQ
What is the property tax rate in California?
The average effective property tax rate in California is 0.76%. On a $760,000 home, that's approximately $5,776 per year or $481 per month added to your mortgage payment.
What is the median home price in California?
The median home price in California is $760,000 as of January 2026. Prices vary by location - Los Angeles and San Francisco typically have higher prices than rural areas.
Are there first-time homebuyer programs in California?
Yes, California has 353 homebuyer assistance programs. Popular options include CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program, which offers up to 3.5% of purchase price for down payment.
How much do I need to buy a house in California?
For the median California home ($760,000), you'd need $152,000 for a 20% down payment, plus $22,800-$38,000 for closing costs. With down payment assistance, you could potentially buy with as little as $26,600 (3.5% FHA down payment).
How does Proposition 13 affect property taxes in California?
Proposition 13, passed in 1978, limits property tax to 1% of the assessed value plus voter-approved bonds and caps annual increases at 2% per year. Your property is only reassessed at current market value when you purchase it or complete new construction, meaning long-time homeowners often pay significantly less than new buyers of similar homes.
What is the California Dream For All program?
The California Dream For All program provides down payment assistance of up to 20% of the purchase price (maximum $150,000) for first-generation homebuyers. It is structured as a shared appreciation loan — you repay the assistance plus 20% of your home's appreciation when you sell or refinance.
What are the conforming loan limits in high-cost California counties?
For 2026, most California counties have a conforming loan limit of $832,750. However, high-cost counties including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Marin have a limit of $1,249,125, while San Diego County's limit is $1,104,000. These higher limits let buyers access conventional financing without jumbo loans.
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Calculate Your CA Mortgage Payment