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State

Data from November 2026

Housing , home prices, rents and assistance in California (2026)

In California, a typical home is worth $734,700 and the typical rent is $2,036 a month. The FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $1,249,125 depending on the county. 81 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve California; 57 say they serve you in Spanish.

Most populous:

Typical home value by county

  • Under $342,000
  • $342,000–$433,200
  • $433,200–$590,200
  • $590,200–$824,700
  • $824,700 or more

Tap the map to see each county’s figure and open its page.

Typical home value
$734,700
121% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $332,700
Typical rent per month
$2,036
44% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $1,413
Typical household income
$99,122
23% more than the U.S.
U.S.: $80,734
FHA limit, 1 unit
$541,287 to $1,249,125
It changes by county. The highest applies in 10 counties.
U.S.: $541,287 to $1,299,500
Property tax
0.7%
of value a year
The typical bill is $5,124 a year.
U.S.: 0.94%

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

In short

Living in California

In California, a typical home is worth $734,700: 121% more than in the United States overall. Prices change a lot by county: from $224,700 in Modoc County to $1,559,600 in San Mateo County. The typical household earns $99,122 a year and the typical rent is $2,036 a month; 55% of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on housing. 56% of households own their home, and the typical property tax is $5,124 a year (about 0.7% of value).

The conforming loan limit for a one-unit home runs from $832,750 to $1,249,125 depending on the county. To pay HUD’s fair rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in California ($2,632) without spending more than 30% of income, you need about $50.62 an hour working full time.

Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

The essentials in California

More on property tax

  • Homeowners' exemption

    Takes up to $7,000 off your home's taxable value if you live in it as your principal residence on January 1. You claim it once, and it stays in effect while the owner and the occupancy do not change.

    California State Board of Equalization (BOE) · Verified October 15, 2026

  • Assessment appeal filing period

    You file the annual appeal with your county's clerk of the board between July 2 and September 15 or November 30, depending on the county. A supplemental assessment is appealed within 60 days of the notice. Some counties charge a fee.

    California State Board of Equalization (BOE) · Verified October 15, 2026

  • County documentary transfer tax

    Sacramento County explains that the documentary transfer tax is 55 cents for each $500 (or fraction) of the property's value, not counting loans the buyer assumes. A city may also create its own transfer tax, which it collects separately. The buyer or the seller pays it, as they agree.

    Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder · Verified October 16, 2026

The homes here

Housing in California

What homes there are in California, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

The detached house is still the most common home in California, but it weighs less than in the U.S.: 57% against 61%.

Year built

Homes in California are older: the typical year built is 1976; in the U.S., 1980.

Homes in California are smaller: 55% have 3 bedrooms or more; in the U.S., 61%.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes

The largest group of owner-occupied homes in California is worth $1M or more: 30%.

Monthly rent with utilities

The most common rent in California is between $1,500 and $1,999 a month: that is where 22% of rented homes sit.

With a mortgage

$2,946 a month

United States: $1,963 a month

Without a mortgage

$829 a month

United States: $638 a month

Owners with a mortgage

67%

United States: 61%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in California is $2,946 a month, more than in the U.S. ($1,963); without one, $829.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in California rose 46% since 2015–2019, less than in the U.S. (53%).

Much as in the U.S., the typical rent in California rose 36% since 2015–2019.

Here income did not keep up with housing: it rose 32%, while home values changed +46% and rent +36%.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureCaliforniaUnited States
Rental vacancy 4.2%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy 0.8%0.9%
More than one person per room 8.2%3.4%
People per household 2.842.53
Drive alone 66%69%
Carpool 10%9%
Public transit 3%3%
Walk or bike 3%3%
Work from home 17%15%
Other means 2%2%
Typical commute 20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

There is little rental housing open in California: only 4.2% is empty and offered for rent, against 5.5% in the U.S..

In California, 8.2% of households live with more than one person per room, against 3.4% in the U.S..

Households in California are bigger: 2.84 people on average; in the U.S., 2.53.

The car rules in California: 66% of workers drive to work alone, and the typical trip takes 20 to 29 minutes.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Places

Explore the counties in California

Sort by any column or type a name. The 25 most populous are shown; the button reveals the rest.

See the counties page

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Calculator

Work out your payment in California

Start from the typical home value in California, $734,700, and this week’s average rate. Move the price and the down payment to see your monthly payment. If you already visited a county, the calculator uses its numbers.

More math for California

$
%

Estimated monthly payment

$5,947

FHA loan over 30 years, with estimated taxes and insurance.

See the full calculation

Prices and risks

Three official measures that help you decide: how much home prices have changed according to FHFA, how prices compare with the national average according to BEA, and how many homes sit in a flood zone according to FEMA.

Home prices

How have home prices changed?

According to the FHFA House Price Index, home prices in California rose 80% in the 10 years through 2025.

Price change each year

Period California United States
In 2025 +0.8% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +40% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +80% +85%

The index follows the prices of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals on loans bought or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual state indexes experimental.

Source: FHFA House Price Index (HPI) Data from 2025 data FHFA House Price Index (HPI)

Cost of living

How expensive are prices here?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), in 2024 prices in California were 11% higher than the U.S. average. Housing rents were 53% higher than nationwide.

Category California United States Versus the U.S.
All prices Consumer goods and services 110.7 100.0 11% more
Housing rents What renters pay 154.3 100.6 53% more
Water, power and gas Water, sewer, electricity and gas 158.9 98.4 61% more
Goods Food, clothing, transportation and more 106.1 99.6 7% more
Other services Services other than rent 102.6 100.1 2% more

BEA expresses each index as a percentage of the average U.S. price level: a higher number means higher prices, and a lower one, lower prices.

Source: Regional price parities (BEA) Data from 2024 data Regional price parities (BEA)

Flooding

Is there a flood risk?

According to FEMA, in California 2.8% of homes (299,628) are in a high-risk flood zone. Of those homes, 31% have NFIP flood insurance.

  • A high-risk zone (Special Flood Hazard Area) has a 1% or greater chance of flooding each year. 44 CFR 59.1
  • If the home is in that zone and the loan comes from a regulated lender, federal law requires flood insurance for the life of the loan, in communities that take part in the NFIP. 42 U.S.C. 4012a
  • Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. FEMA, FloodSmart
California United States
Homes in a high-risk zone 2.8% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 31% 48%
All homes with NFIP insurance 1.3% 2.9%

The NFIP is the federal flood insurance program; private policies are not counted. FEMA counts homes with its National Structure Inventory. We add up the county figures FEMA publishes.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map Source: Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) As of August 3, 2026 Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA)

Places

Cities in California

The 16 most populous cities with a page. Each one compares its prices and rents with its county.

See the other cities (645)

    Help to buy

    Assistance programs in California

    Our list has 5 official programs that help you buy in California. Each card says what kind of help it gives and when we checked its official page.

    See all 5 programs
    1. MyHome Assistance Program

      CalHFA second loan with deferred payments for the down payment or closing costs of first-time buyers in California. Offered by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    2. California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan

      Closed, per the source

      CalHFA down payment loan for first-generation buyers in California; when you sell, you repay the loan plus a share of the home's appreciation. Offered by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

      Shared appreciation Verified November 5, 2026

    3. MyAccess Program

      CalHFA second loan with deferred payments for the down payment or closing costs of first-time buyers who use the CalPLUS Access mortgage (FHA or conventional). Offered by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

      Deferred Verified November 5, 2026

    Tenant rights

    Tenant rights in California

    California law answers 4 of these 5 questions, each answer with its citation. Where it says “Data not available”, we have not verified it against the source yet.

    A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

    See every right

    1. How much can they charge for a deposit?

      In California, the security deposit can be up to 1 month's rent since July 1, 2024. If the landlord is a person (or an LLC made up only of people) who owns no more than 2 rental properties with no more than 4 units in total, the limit is 2 months' rent.

      Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5(c)(1), (c)(4)

    2. When must they return my deposit?

      After you move out, the landlord has 21 days to return the deposit. They may keep part of it only for the uses the law allows, and must give you a written itemized statement.

      Cal. Civ. Code §1950.5

    3. If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

      If you owe rent, the landlord can give you a 3-day notice to pay or move out. When counting the 3 days, do not count Saturdays, Sundays, or court holidays. The notice can only ask for past-due rent, not late fees.

      Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §1161(2)

    4. How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

      To end a month-to-month rental, the landlord uses a 30-day notice if you have rented for less than 1 year, or a 60-day notice if you have rented for 1 year or more. Often the landlord also needs a just cause.

      Cal. Civ. Code §1946.1(b), (c)

    5. Are there limits on late fees?

      Data not available

    A father and mother walk their son by the hand down the sidewalk.

    Help and advice

    Who can help you in California?

    You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counselor gives independent advice on buying, renting, late payments and credit, often free or at low cost.

    81 HUD-approved counseling agencies serve California; 57 say they serve you in Spanish. Choose your county to see the closest ones with their phone number.

    96 public housing authorities run Section 8 vouchers and public housing in California.

    See all 81 agencies See the housing agencies

    Who runs the help in California

    • California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)

      The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is a self-supported California state agency. It was chartered as the state's affordable housing lender and supports low- and moderate-income renters and homebuyers. Its Single Family Division works with a network of preferred lenders to give first-time homebuyers down payment and closing cost assistance and access to first mortgage loans.

      The agency's official page · Verified October 17, 2026

    Where to file a complaint in California

    • Where to file a housing discrimination complaint

      The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforces the state's fair housing laws. In general, a housing discrimination complaint must be filed within one year from the date of the alleged discriminatory act.

      California Civil Rights Department (CRD) · Verified October 16, 2026

    • Help with homeowners insurance complaints or questions

      The California Department of Insurance (CDI) regulates the insurance industry and works to protect consumers' rights. You can contact it if you feel an agent, broker or insurance company treated you unfairly, or if you want to file a request for assistance against them.

      California Department of Insurance (CDI) · Verified October 16, 2026

    Guides

    Guides for you in California

    We picked them with the numbers of California. Each one says why it can help you.

    Frequently asked questions about housing in California

    What is the FHA limit in California in 2026?

    In California, the FHA limit for a one-unit home runs from $541,287 to $1,249,125. The highest is in Alameda County.

    How much does a typical home cost in California?

    The typical home value in California is $734,700 (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census). The highest is in San Mateo County ($1,559,600) and the lowest in Modoc County ($224,700).

    How much does it cost to rent in California?

    The typical rent in California is $2,036 a month (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    How much do you need to earn to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in California?

    At HUD's average fair market rent in California ($2,632, Fiscal year 2027), about $50.62 an hour working full time, so rent stays under 30% of income.

    How much is property tax in California?

    The typical property tax in California is $5,124 a year, about 0.7% of home value (Average 2020–2024, U.S. Census).

    Where can I find free help in Spanish to buy a home in California?

    There are 81 HUD-approved counseling agencies in California; 57 say they serve you in Spanish. Each county page lists the closest ones with their phone number.

    Sources: American Community Survey (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (Fiscal year 2027); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (As of August 3, 2026); Regional price parities (2024 data); Census Bureau cartographic boundary files (2024 data).