California Mortgage Calculator

Calculate your monthly mortgage payment in California. Pre-filled with California's average property tax rate of 0.71%. See principal, interest, PMI, property taxes, and insurance.

$70,000

Monthly Payment Breakdown

Principal & Interest
$1,770
Property Tax
$207
Homeowner's Insurance
$100
Total Monthly Payment
$2,077

Loan Summary

Home Price
$350,000
Down Payment
$70,000
Loan Amount
$280,000
Total Interest
$357,125
Total Cost(P&I + down payment)
$707,124

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Your estimated payment is $2,077/month. See how it fits alongside your income, savings, investments, and other expenses over time.

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California Housing Overview

California has an average property tax rate of 0.71%. California's cost of living is approximately 38% above the national average, with housing costs in San Francisco and LA exceeding the national average by 100% or more.

Property Tax: 0.71%Highest state income tax (13.3%)9 progressive tax bracketsSDI payroll tax (1.1%)

Buying a Home in California

If you're considering buying a home in California, understanding the local housing market and costs is essential. Property taxes, insurance rates, and home prices vary significantly by area within the state. This calculator pre-fills California's average property tax rate of 0.71% to give you a more accurate estimate.

California Property Taxes

California has an average effective property tax rate of 0.71%. Property taxes are a significant component of your monthly housing cost — on a $350,000 home, a 0.71% rate means approximately $2485 per year, or $207 per month in property taxes alone.

Cost of Living in California

California's cost of living is approximately 38% above the national average, with housing costs in San Francisco and LA exceeding the national average by 100% or more. When evaluating whether to buy a home in California, consider how your mortgage payment plus other housing costs fit within the recommended 28% of gross income guideline.

Financial Tips for California Homebuyers

  • Maximize pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and HSA to reduce your California tax burden
  • California's SDI payroll tax (1.1%) is an additional cost beyond income tax — factor it into your budget
  • Consider the high cost of living in major metros like San Francisco and LA when evaluating job offers
  • California does not tax Social Security benefits, which benefits retirees
  • If you work remotely for an out-of-state employer, you may still owe California taxes if you live here

Key California Features

  • Highest state income tax (13.3%)
  • 9 progressive tax brackets
  • SDI payroll tax (1.1%)
  • No tax on Social Security benefits
  • High cost of living in major metros

See How Your California Mortgage Fits Your Financial Plan

This calculator shows your California mortgage payment. Trajectoryy's full simulator shows how that payment fits alongside your income, taxes, savings, investments, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average property tax rate in California?
The average effective property tax rate in California is approximately 0.71%. This rate is applied to the assessed value of your property, which may differ from the market value depending on California's assessment practices. Property tax rates can also vary significantly by county and municipality within the state.
How much does a typical mortgage payment cost in California?
Your mortgage payment in California depends on the home price, your down payment, interest rate, and loan term. With California's average property tax rate of 0.71%, property taxes add a meaningful amount to your monthly payment. Use the calculator above with your specific numbers to get an accurate estimate.
Is California an affordable state to buy a home?
California's cost of living is approximately 38% above the national average, with housing costs in San Francisco and LA exceeding the national average by 100% or more. When evaluating affordability in California, consider not just the home price but also property taxes (0.71% average), homeowner's insurance costs, and any HOA fees common in your area.
How do California property taxes compare to other states?
California's average property tax rate of 0.71% can be compared against the national average of roughly 1.1%. States like New Jersey (2.23%) and Illinois (1.97%) have among the highest rates, while Hawaii (0.28%) and Alabama (0.40%) have among the lowest.
What first-time homebuyer programs are available in California?
Most states, including California, offer first-time homebuyer programs through their state housing finance agency. These typically include down payment assistance, below-market interest rates, and closing cost grants. Check with California's housing authority and the FHA, VA, and USDA loan programs for additional options.

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