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City · 7,489 residents · Sonoma County, California

Cotati , California

In Cotati, a typical home is worth $746,800 and typical rent is $2,056 a month. Compared with all of Sonoma County, the typical home value is 8% lower and typical household income is 6% higher.

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  • Typical home value

    $746,800

    8% below the county

    About the same as California

    • Cotati
    • Sonoma
    • California

  • Typical rent

    $2,056a month

    5% below the county

    About the same as California

    • Cotati
    • Sonoma
    • California

  • Typical household income

    $110,750a year

    6% above the county

    12% above California

    • Cotati
    • Sonoma
    • California

  • Households that own their home

    59%

    3 points below the county

    3 points above California

    • Cotati
    • Sonoma
    • California

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$724,444
about the same as 12 months ago
Typical rent
$2,928 a month

From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Cotati is in Sonoma County. The FHA loan limit ($897,000 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Sonoma County. See the county

Data updated: October 1, 2026 11 official sources

Only here

What sets Cotati apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Cotati has the 48th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 616 cities in California with more than 5,000 people (42%).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

The homes here

Housing in Cotati

What homes there are in Cotati, 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

No kind of home is the majority in Cotati; the largest group, detached houses, adds up to 48%, less than in Sonoma County (67%).

Year built

Here half of the homes date from 1984 or later; in Sonoma County, from 1979 or later.

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
Monthly rent with utilities

With a mortgage

$3,019 a month

Sonoma County: $3,040 a month

Without a mortgage

$941 a month

Sonoma County: $927 a month

Owners with a mortgage

76%

Sonoma County: 66%

The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Cotati is $3,019 a month, near the figure in Sonoma County ($3,040).

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 Cotati rose 42% since 2015–2019, more than in Sonoma County (34%).

Rents in Cotati rose more slowly than in Sonoma County: 27% since 2015–2019, against 33%.

To compare: typical income in Cotati rose 35%; the home, +42%; the rent, +27%.

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

MeasureCotatiSonoma CountyCaliforniaUnited States
Rental vacancy Unreliable estimate2.7%4.2%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy Unreliable estimate0.6%0.8%0.9%
More than one person per room Unreliable estimate4.8%8.2%3.4%
People per household 2.332.492.842.53
Drive alone 71%69%66%69%
Carpool Unreliable estimate9%10%9%
Public transit Unreliable estimate1%3%3%
Walk or bike Unreliable estimate3%3%3%
Work from home 15%16%17%15%
Other means Unreliable estimate1%2%2%
Typical commute Unreliable estimate20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

On average, a household in Cotati has 2.33 people, fewer than in Sonoma County (2.49).

In Cotati, 71% of workers drive alone to work; in Sonoma County, 69%.

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

Do the math

What would you pay each month for a home in Cotati?

A typical home costs more than the typical income allows

We start with a typical home in Cotati, worth $746,800, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 66% of the typical household income in Cotati, which is $110,750 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $260,119 a year.

The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Sonoma County.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Cotati. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $26,138 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$6,069

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$733,274
Total interest
$1,055,009
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $12,612 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $2,584 a month

  • Tight

    $2,584 to $3,322 a month

  • Hard

    more than $3,322 a month

    Your payment · 66%

Compared with the typical household income in Cotati ($110,750 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$6,069
Principal & interest$4,967
Property tax$461
Home insurance$311
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$330

You need at least $26,138 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

The city and its county

Cotati and Sonoma County

Cotati is in Sonoma County, California. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).

Cotati's own numbers

Typical home value
$746,800
Typical monthly rent
$2,056
Typical yearly household income
$110,750
Households that own their home
59%
Effective property tax rate
0.74%

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).

Numbers for all of Sonoma County

FHA limit, one-unit home
$897,000
Conventional limit, one unit
$897,000
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$2,819
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+25%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
2.4%

HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.

Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Sonoma County.

Everything about Sonoma County

Buying

Buying a home in Cotati

A typical home in Cotati is worth $746,800: 8% below the county and about the same as California. With the typical household income in Cotati ($110,750 a year), a typical home costs 6.7 times what the household earns in a year.

Years of income to pay for a typical home

The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.

  • Cotati 6.7 years
  • Sonoma 7.8 years
  • California 7.4 years
  • United States 4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

How prices have changed in Sonoma County

According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Sonoma County rose 60% in the 10 years through 2025.

FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Sonoma County.

Period County California U.S.
Last year (2025) +0.5% +0.8% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +25% +40% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +60% +80% +85%

The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Cotati next to Sonoma County, California and the U.S.

Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Cotati $746,800
  • Sonoma $815,500
  • California $734,700
  • United States $332,700
Typical monthly rent
  • Cotati $2,056
  • Sonoma $2,158
  • California $2,036
  • United States $1,413
Typical yearly household income
  • Cotati $110,750
  • Sonoma $104,674
  • California $99,122
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Cotati next to Sonoma County and California
Measure Cotati Sonoma County California U.S.
Typical home value $746,800 $815,500 $734,700 $332,700
Typical monthly rent $2,056 $2,158 $2,036 $1,413
Typical yearly household income $110,750 $104,674 $99,122 $80,734
Households that own their home 59% 63% 56% 65%
Typical yearly property tax $5,514 $5,695 $5,124 $3,119
Effective property tax rate 0.74% 0.7% 0.7% 0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income 42% 55% 55% 51%

“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Sonoma County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Cotati

For a typical $746,800 home in Cotati, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Cotati's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

  • FHA, 3.5% down $6,069a month

    Least cash to close
    Down payment
    $26,138
    Cash to close
    $48,542
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    FHA MIP · $330

  • Conventional, 5% down $5,933a month

    Down payment
    $37,340
    Cash to close
    $59,744
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    PMI · $355

  • Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $4,819a month

    Down payment
    $149,360
    Cash to close
    $171,764
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

  • ITIN, 15% down (example) $5,509a month

    Down payment
    $112,020
    Cash to close
    $134,424
    Rate
    8.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.

  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

How much house can I afford? Estimate closing costs

Taxes and floods

Two costs that change from place to place

Property tax and flood insurance raise or lower what you pay each month. Here are the numbers for Cotati and for Sonoma County.

Property tax

Effective rate in Cotati

0.74%of the home’s value each year

$5,514 a year for the typical owner in Cotati.

  • Cotati 0.74%
  • Sonoma 0.7%
  • California 0.7%

What California publishes Homeowners' exemption (California State Board of Equalization (BOE))

Exemptions and deadlines in California

Flood risk in Sonoma County

FEMA does not publish these numbers by city: they are for all of Sonoma County.

Homes in the high-risk zone
2.4%
3,971
Of those, with NFIP insurance
31%
County California U.S.
Homes in the high-risk zone 2.4% 2.8% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 31% 31% 48%

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Renting

Renting in Cotati

Typical rent in Cotati is $2,056 a month: 5% below the county. In Cotati, 42% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Sonoma County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($2,819 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $54.21 an hour working full time.

HUD fair market rent for all of Sonoma County

What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Yearly income
Studio $1,980 $38.08 $79,200
1 bedroom $2,155 $41.44 $86,200
2 bedrooms $2,819 $54.21 $112,760
3 bedrooms $3,903 $75.06 $156,120
4 bedrooms $4,295 $82.60 $171,800

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

Fair market rent by ZIP code in Cotati

HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Cotati is in ZIP code 94931.

For 2 bedrooms it is $2,550: $269 less than the fair market rent for Sonoma County ($2,819).

  • 94931 $2,550$3,500

1 of these ZIP codes crosses the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Cotati when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file Data from 2020 data Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file

Is your rent high for your ZIP?

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Cotati

HUD lists 4 buildings with rents for lower incomes in Cotati. These are the largest.

  • Charles Street Village 42 Charles St, Cotati 94931 48 homes, 47 low-income · For older adults (707) 665-0370
  • Marvin Gardens 770 E Cotati Ave, Cotati 94931 37 low-income homes · For families (707) 795-4282
  • Wilford Lane 160 Wilford Ln, Cotati 94931 36 homes, 35 low-income · Studio: 2 · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2003
  • Windwood Apartments 298 E Cotati Ave, Cotati 94931 28 low-income homes · For families (707) 795-0906

See all 111 buildings in Sonoma County Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Free help

Help to buy or rent in Cotati

You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.

There is 1 HUD-approved agency with an office in Sonoma County; none says it serves in Spanish.

A man smiles on a bench outside his apartment building.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

Assistance programs in Cotati

No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Cotati or Sonoma County. The ones below are statewide in California: they work in Cotati the same as in the rest of the state.

Which programs do I qualify for? All programs in California

  • MyHome Assistance Program

    Statewide in California

    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

    See the program Official page

  • California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan

    Statewide in California

    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

    See the program Official page

  • MyAccess Program

    Statewide in California

    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

    See the program Official page

Housing counselors near Cotati

The HUD-approved agencies closest to the center of Cotati, in a straight line, nearest first. If one says it serves in Spanish, its card says so.

  • Balance - Santa Rosa

    3033 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa · 10 miles away

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 8 more
    (800) 777-7526

  • Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California

    851 Irwin St, San Rafael · 27 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Mortgage delinquency workshops
    • and 3 more
    (415) 457-5025

  • Community Housing Development Corporation of North Richmond

    1535 Fred Jackson Way Ste A, Richmond · 32 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Budget and financial counseling
    • and 6 more
    (510) 412-9290

Every agency in Sonoma County All counseling agencies in California

Help in Spanish near Cotati

2 of the 3 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Housing authorities of Cotati

HUD’s record names them for Cotati or Sonoma County. They run public housing or Section 8 vouchers. Ask whether their waiting list is open.

One other authority has an office in Sonoma County: see the list Source: HUD

Cities

Other cities in Sonoma County

These cities are also in Sonoma County. They share its loan limits and fair market rents, but home values and rent change from one to the next.

Everything about Sonoma County Housing in California

Nearby cities

The cities closest to Cotati, with the typical home value.

Neighboring counties

If Sonoma County is out of reach, look next door. Each number is that county's own.

Keep going

Guides for your next step

Short explanations, in plain language and with official sources, for buying or renting in Cotati.

All guides
A couple spread mulch under the avocado trees of their family orchard, he on the tractor and she with a shovel.

Questions

Housing questions about Cotati

Short answers with the numbers for Cotati and all of Sonoma County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.

How much does a typical home cost in Cotati?

The typical home value in Cotati is $746,800, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Sonoma County it is $815,500.

How much does it cost to rent in Cotati?

Typical rent in Cotati is $2,056 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Sonoma County is $2,819.

What is the FHA loan limit in Cotati?

Cotati uses the FHA limit for all of Sonoma County (2026): $897,000 for a one-unit home and $1,725,050 for a four-unit home.

How much property tax do owners pay in Cotati?

The typical homeowner in Cotati pays $5,514 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 0.74% of the home’s value; in Sonoma County, the rate is 0.7%.

Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Cotati?

There is 1 HUD-approved counseling agency with an office in Sonoma County. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.

Sources: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (FHFA) (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (2020 data); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (HUD) (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (HPI) (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) (As of August 3, 2026).