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California

California Mortgage Calculator (2026)

Calculate your monthly mortgage payment in California including principal, interest, and California's average property tax rate of 0.76%.

California Property Tax Note: California property taxes are governed by Proposition 13, which caps the assessed value increase at 2% per year. The average effective property tax rate is 0.76% — well below the national average — but high home prices mean dollar amounts are significant. California is a community property state, which can affect mortgage qualifications for married couples.

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Down Payment

Annual Interest Rate

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Property Tax Rate

California average: 0.76%

Annual Homeowners Insurance

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California Monthly Payment

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Median California home ($785,000) — 20% down — 7% rate — 30yr

Component	Monthly	Annual
Principal & Interest	$4,178.10	$50,137
Property Tax (0.76%)	$497.17	$5,966
Homeowners Insurance	$150.00	$1,800
Total PITI	$4,825.27	$57,903

Total interest over 30yr: $876,116. PMI not included.

Monthly property tax on a $400,000 home by state

State	Avg Rate	Monthly/$400k
Alabama	0.41%	$136.67
Alaska	1.04%	$346.67
Arizona	0.62%	$206.67
Arkansas	0.62%	$206.67
California ★	0.76%	$253.33
Colorado	0.51%	$170.00
Connecticut	1.79%	$596.67
Delaware	0.57%	$190.00
Florida	0.89%	$296.67
Georgia	0.92%	$306.67
Hawaii	0.29%	$96.67
Idaho	0.69%	$230.00
Illinois	2.23%	$743.33
Indiana	0.85%	$283.33
Iowa	1.57%	$523.33
Kansas	1.41%	$470.00
Kentucky	0.86%	$286.67
Louisiana	0.55%	$183.33
Maine	1.09%	$363.33
Maryland	1.09%	$363.33
Massachusetts	1.14%	$380.00
Michigan	1.54%	$513.33
Minnesota	1.12%	$373.33
Mississippi	0.81%	$270.00
Missouri	1.01%	$336.67
Montana	0.84%	$280.00
Nebraska	1.73%	$576.67
Nevada	0.55%	$183.33
New Hampshire	1.93%	$643.33
New Jersey	2.23%	$743.33
New Mexico	0.80%	$266.67
New York	1.72%	$573.33
North Carolina	0.80%	$266.67
North Dakota	0.98%	$326.67
Ohio	1.53%	$510.00
Oklahoma	0.88%	$293.33
Oregon	0.87%	$290.00
Pennsylvania	1.49%	$496.67
Rhode Island	1.53%	$510.00
South Carolina	0.57%	$190.00
South Dakota	1.22%	$406.67
Tennessee	0.67%	$223.33
Texas	1.60%	$533.33
Utah	0.52%	$173.33
Vermont	1.83%	$610.00
Virginia	0.87%	$290.00
Washington	0.98%	$326.67
Washington DC	0.55%	$183.33
West Virginia	0.59%	$196.67
Wisconsin	1.76%	$586.67
Wyoming	0.61%	$203.33

California property taxes are governed by Proposition 13, which caps the assessed value increase at 2% per year. The average effective property tax rate is 0.76% — well below the national average — but high home prices mean dollar amounts are significant. California is a community property state, which can affect mortgage qualifications for married couples.

Median home price: $785,000. Average property tax: 0.76%. Cost of living index: 149 (US avg = 100).

What is the average property tax rate in California?

The average effective property tax rate in California is 0.76%. This means on a $785,000 home, you would pay approximately $5,966/year ($497.17/month) in property taxes. Note that actual property taxes are based on the county-assessed value, which may differ from the purchase price, and individual rates vary by county.

How much do I need to earn to afford a home in California?

At the California median home price of $785,000 with 20% down and a 7% rate, total monthly housing costs (PITI) are approximately $4,825.27. Using the 28% housing-to-income rule, you would need a gross monthly income of about $17,233.09, or $206,797/year. With less down payment or higher home price, the required income increases.

Is California a community property state?

Yes — California is a community property state. This means that for married couples, both spouses' income and debts are generally considered jointly owned. For mortgage purposes, lenders may consider both spouses' income and credit scores even if only one is on the loan application.

Should I get a 15-year or 30-year mortgage?

A 30-year mortgage has lower monthly payments but you pay significantly more interest over time. For example, on a $628,000 loan at 7%, monthly P&I is $4,178.10 (30yr) vs. $5,644.64 (15yr). Choose 30-year if cash flow is tight; choose 15-year if you can comfortably afford the higher payment.

What other costs should I budget for when buying in California?

Beyond the mortgage payment, budget for: (1) Closing costs — typically 2–5% of the loan amount at purchase; (2) Home inspection — $300–$600; (3) Property taxes — $5,966/year at California average rates on a $785,000 home; (4) Homeowners insurance — $1,200–$2,400/year; (5) HOA fees if applicable; (6) Maintenance reserve — budget 1–2% of home value annually.

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Accuracy & Methodology

Our calculators use current US tax rates and standard financial formulas. Results are estimates intended for planning purposes and do not constitute financial advice. Learn about our methodology ›

California Housing Facts

Median Home Price$785,000
Avg Property Tax0.76%
Cost of Living149 (US=100)

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