2026 data · 0.71% property tax · Median home $659,300
California Mortgage Calculator
A median-priced home in California ($659,300) costs roughly $4,152 per month all-in (PITI), assuming 20% down and a 30-year fixed at 7.0%. California's effective property tax rate is 0.71% — well below the US average of about 1.0%.
California median-home monthly payment
$4,152/mo
P&I $3,509 · Tax $390 · Insurance $253
@ $659,300 price, 20% down, 30-yr fixed at 7.0%
For a custom calculation with your specific numbers (different down payment, rate, term, or home price), use the main mortgage calculator — it includes a full amortization schedule.
Monthly payments at common home prices in California
| Home price | 20% down | P&I | Prop tax | Insurance | Total PITI/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $40,000 | $1,064 | $118 | $77 | $1,259 |
| $300,000 | $60,000 | $1,597 | $178 | $115 | $1,889 |
| $400,000 | $80,000 | $2,129 | $237 | $153 | $2,519 |
| $500,000 | $100,000 | $2,661 | $296 | $192 | $3,149 |
| $659,300 (state median) | $131,860 | $3,509 | $390 | $253 | $4,152 |
| $750,000 | $150,000 | $3,992 | $444 | $288 | $4,723 |
Calculations use California's 0.71% effective property tax rate, estimated homeowners insurance at 0.46%/year of home value, 30-year fixed at 7.0%, no PMI (20% down). Closing costs not included.
California property tax
Effective rate
0.71%
Median home value
$659,300
Median property tax
$4,665/yr
California's Proposition 13 caps property tax at 1% of purchase price plus annual increases capped at 2%. Effective rates appear low because of long-held properties — new buyers pay closer to 1.1-1.25% of purchase price.
See our property tax calculator for a state-by-state property tax breakdown, and our California paycheck calculator to estimate take-home pay against this monthly housing cost.
California vs neighboring states
| State | Property tax rate | Median home | Median tax/yr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California (this page) | 0.71% | $659,300 | $4,665 | |
| Oregon | 0.87% | $410,800 | $3,528 | Oregon mortgage → |
| Nevada | 0.53% | $394,000 | $2,062 | Nevada mortgage → |
| Arizona | 0.60% | $318,000 | $1,898 | Arizona mortgage → |
FAQs about California mortgages
What is the property tax rate in California?
California's effective property tax rate is 0.71%, meaning the average homeowner pays roughly 0.71% of their home's value in property tax annually. On a $659,300 home (the state median), that's about $4,665 per year, or $389 per month added to your mortgage payment.
What is the average monthly mortgage payment in California?
For a home at California's median value of $659,300, assuming 20% down, a 30-year fixed mortgage at 7.0%, and California's 0.71% property tax + estimated insurance, the typical monthly PITI payment is approximately $4,152. This includes $3,509 principal & interest, $390 property tax, and $253 homeowners insurance.
How much income do I need to buy a house in California?
Using the standard 28% front-end DTI rule, you'd need annual income of approximately $177,943 to comfortably afford California's median-priced home. Lenders typically allow up to 43% total DTI (including all debts), which corresponds to about $115,870 annual income at the maximum end. Your specific qualification depends on credit score, down payment, debts, and lender requirements.
Is California a good state to buy a house?
California's combination of 0.71% property tax (well below the national average of ~1.0%) and median home value of $659,300 puts it among the more expensive states for buyers, though long-term equity has historically been strong. California's Proposition 13 caps property tax at 1% of purchase price plus annual increases capped at 2%.
How does California property tax compare to neighboring states?
California's 0.71% rate compares to: Oregon at 0.87%, Nevada at 0.53%, Arizona at 0.60%. Property taxes can differ substantially between bordering states — moving 30 miles across a state line can change your annual tax bill by thousands.
Does California have a homestead exemption?
California offers various property tax relief programs. California's Proposition 13 caps property tax at 1% of purchase price plus annual increases capped at 2%. Effective rates appear low because of long-held properties — new buyers pay closer to 1.1-1.25% of purchase price. Check with your county assessor for primary-residence exemptions and senior/disabled programs that may reduce your annual property tax bill.
What's included in PITI?
PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance — the four standard components of a mortgage payment. For your California mortgage, the breakdown on a median-priced home would be: Principal & Interest $3,509, Property Tax $390, Homeowners Insurance $253. Add PMI if your down payment is under 20%, and HOA fees if your home is in a community with one.