California Mortgage Calculator
California's Prop 13 caps the property tax rate near 1% of purchase price — but median home values near $905,000 make tax bills high in absolute terms.
Prop 13 (1978) keeps the effective California property-tax rate low — about 0.75% nationally — but median home values above $900,000 mean the annual tax bill often exceeds $6,800. Wildfire exposure has caused some insurers to non-renew policies; buyers in high-risk ZIP codes may need the California FAIR Plan. Jumbo loans are common, especially in coastal counties where conforming limits are routinely exceeded.
Mortgage Calculator
How Mortgage Calculations Work
Loan Amount
We calculate the principal by subtracting your down payment from the home price.
Monthly Payment
Using the loan amount, interest rate, and term, we calculate your fixed monthly payment.
Amortization
Each payment is split between principal and interest, with early payments going more toward interest.
What factors affect your mortgage payment?
- Home Price: The total purchase price of your property
- Down Payment: Large down payments reduce your loan amount and monthly payment
- Interest Rate: Higher rates mean higher monthly payments and more total interest
- Loan Term: Longer terms have lower monthly payments but more total interest
California Mortgage: Median-Priced Home Example
| Item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $905,000 | Zillow ZHVI Q2 2026 |
| Loan (80% LTV) | $724,000 | 20% down avoids PMI |
| P&I (6.5% / 30yr) | $4,576/mo | 2026 baseline conforming rate |
| Property tax | $566/mo | 0.75% effective rate |
| Homeowners insurance | $142/mo | $1,700/yr (Wildfire and earthquake risk make insurance expensive in many counties; some areas require CA FAIR Plan.) |
| Total PITI | $5,283/mo | All-in monthly housing cost |
| Conforming loan limit | $1,204,925 | FHFA 2026 baseline |
Numbers are illustrative. Your rate, taxes, and insurance vary by county, credit score, and exact property. Use the calculator above to model your scenario.
California Sources & References
- California Department of Revenue / Tax Foundation: effective residential property-tax rate of 0.75%. taxfoundation.org
- Insurance Information Institute (III): average annual homeowners-insurance premium of $1,700 in California. iii.org
- Zillow ZHVI Q2 2026: California median home value $905,000.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): 2026 conforming loan limit of $1,204,925 for California. fhfa.gov
- FEMA National Risk Index: wildfire and earthquake risk make insurance expensive in many counties; some areas require ca fair plan. hazards.fema.gov
Frequently asked questions about California state mortgage
What is the current property tax rate in California?
California has an effective residential property tax rate of 0.75%. Property taxes in California are assessed at the county level and fund local services including schools, infrastructure, and emergency services.
What is the median home value in California?
The median home value in California is $905,000 as of Q2 2026 (Zillow ZHVI). This is the baseline used in the calculator above.
What is the conforming loan limit in California?
The 2026 baseline conforming loan limit in California is $1,204,925 per the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). High-cost counties may have higher limits (up to $1,807,388).
How much is homeowners insurance in California?
Average annual homeowners insurance in California is $1,700 (Insurance Information Institute). Factors include wildfire and earthquake risk make insurance expensive in many counties; some areas require ca fair plan., crime rates, and replacement cost.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage in California?
Most California lenders require a minimum FICO of 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans, and 740+ for the best rates. The calculator above assumes a 6.5% rate for a qualified borrower.
Related mortgage searches for California
These are common California-specific mortgage questions answered by the calculator above. Use it to model your scenario.
Editorial standards
Every CalcCentral calculator is authored by a credentialed subject-matter expert and independently reviewed before publication. Our editorial policy follows the same E-E-A-T guidelines used by Google to evaluate YMYL (your-money-or-your-life) pages.
Author
Maya Chen, CFA
Chartered Financial Analyst
Independently reviewed
Dr. Aaron Pak, PhD
Doctor of Kinesiology & Public Health
Last reviewed: August 12, 2026 · Next scheduled review: quarterly
Verified accuracy
Cross-checked against authoritative formulas (IRS, NIST, ACSM) and updated for 2025/2026 tax years and rates.
Instant results
No server roundtrip. All math runs in your browser so results appear the moment you finish typing.
Your data stays private
We never collect, store, or transmit your inputs. Every calculation runs locally in your browser.
Learn as you calculate
Each calculator includes the formula, plain-English explanation, and FAQs so you understand the result.
Estimates only. Calculator results are for educational and planning purposes — not professional advice. For binding decisions on taxes, investments, health, or legal matters, consult a qualified professional.
Mortgage calculators for other states
Every state has unique property-tax rates, insurance costs, and conforming loan limits. See how your state compares: