What is the average mortgage rate in California in 2026?
Around 7.55% as of October 12, 2026, in line with national average; jumbo loan rates may apply for high-value properties.
Last updated
Best Mortgage Rates California 2026
California has the highest median home price of any US state at $905,000 in 2026, driven by demand in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The state has the highest top income tax rate in the US at 13.3% and a documentary transfer tax of 0.11%.
30-year fixed
7.55%
National avg
15-year fixed
6.84%
National avg
5/1 ARM
6.45%
National avg
| Product | Rate (APR) |
|---|---|
| 30-year fixed (national avg) | 7.55% |
| 15-year fixed (national avg) | 6.84% |
| 5/1 ARM (national avg) | 6.45% |
Rates verified Oct 15, 2026
Rates shown are national benchmark averages from the site data file, not live quotes from lenders. Confirm pricing with banks and brokers in California. Not financial advice.
California at a glance
- Average home price: $905,000
- State income tax: Yes (13.3% top rate — highest in the US)
- Land transfer tax: Yes ($0.55 per $500, approximately 0.11%; some counties and cities add additional local transfer taxes)
- Typical monthly payment: $5,087/mo on $905,000 with 20% down, 30-year term, at 7.55% — excludes taxes, insurance, and HOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California have a real estate transfer tax?
Yes — $0.55 per $500, approximately 0.11% at the state level; Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities add their own local transfer taxes that can be significantly higher.
What is the median home price in California in 2026?
$905,000 — the highest median of any US state, making affordability a major challenge.
How much do I need to earn to afford a home in California?
To afford $905,000 with 20% down at 7.55%, you need approximately $210,000–$225,000 annual income.
California mortgage calculator · Educational reference only. Not financial or lending advice.