US mortgage calculator (all states)
California has the highest median home prices in the continental US at $833,000 statewide in 2026, up 6% year-over-year. Los Angeles averages $950,000 and the San Francisco Bay Area exceeds $1,200,000. California's conforming loan limit reaches $1,249,125 in high-cost areas — the federal maximum — meaning many California buyers can use conventional financing without jumbo loans. California's unique Proposition 13 caps annual property tax increases at 2%, making long-term ownership more predictable. The effective property tax rate of 0.71% is among the lowest in the US, though dollar amounts are high given elevated home values.
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State: California (median-style home price, tax, and insurance pre-filled — edit as needed)
Illustrative property tax and insurance — actual escrow, fire zones, and lender PMI rules vary. Not a loan offer.
Dollar amount. PMI applies when under 20% of home price.
PMI is estimated at 0.5% of the loan amount per year when your down payment is below 20% of the purchase price.
Total monthly payment
$4,947
Amortization summary: fixed rate; effective rate equals your quoted rate. Taxes, insurance, PMI, and HOA are shown separately from P&I.
| Location | Median price | YoY change |
|---|---|---|
| California (state) | $833,000 | +6% |
| Los Angeles | ~$950,000 | Stable |
| San Francisco Bay Area | $1,200,000+ | +3% |
| San Diego | ~$875,000 | +4% |
| Sacramento | ~$520,000 | +2% |
| Cost | Rate/amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Property tax rate | 0.71% effective | Prop 13 caps annual increases at 2% |
| Annual tax ($833k home) | ~$5,900 | ~$492/month |
| Conforming loan limit | Up to $1,249,125 | High-cost areas |
| Standard loan limit | $832,750 | Most counties |
| Home insurance | ~$1,200–$2,000/year | Varies by fire risk zone |
California offers several first-time buyer assistance programs. CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) provides FHA and conventional loans with down payments as low as 3%–3.5%. The MyHome Assistance Program offers a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3% of the purchase price for down payment or closing costs. The California Dream For All program provides shared appreciation loans for first-generation homebuyers. High conforming loan limits in expensive counties allow more buyers to use conventional financing without jumbo loan requirements.
The median home price in California is approximately $833,000 in 2026, up 6% year-over-year. Los Angeles averages $950,000, the San Francisco Bay Area exceeds $1,200,000, and more affordable inland areas like Sacramento average around $520,000.
Proposition 13 caps annual property tax increases at 2% for existing owners. When you buy a home, it is reassessed at the purchase price, and your property tax is set at approximately 1% of that value plus local levies. After that, increases are limited to 2% per year regardless of market value increases, making California property taxes more predictable for long-term owners.
The standard conforming loan limit in California is $832,750 for 2026. In high-cost counties like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, the limit reaches the federal maximum of $1,249,125. Loans above these limits are considered jumbo loans and typically require larger down payments and higher credit scores.
To buy California's median home of $833,000 with 20% down ($166,600), you need a mortgage of $666,400. At a 6.5% interest rate over 30 years, monthly P&I is approximately $4,212. Including property tax ($492/month) and insurance ($150/month), total payment is about $4,854, requiring a qualifying income of approximately $180,000–$200,000 annually.
Educational estimates only. Not a mortgage offer or tax advice.