City · 154,236 residents · Santa Clara County, California
Sunnyvale, California
In Sunnyvale, a typical home is worth $1,801,800 and typical rent is $3,039 a month. Compared with all of Santa Clara County, the typical home value is 21% higher, typical household income is 13% higher, and the share of households that own their home is 11 points lower.
Typical home value from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $1,727,090 to $2,007,452.
Typical rent
$3,972a month
▲ 10.3% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $3,066 to $3,972.
From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).
Sunnyvale is in Santa Clara County. The FHA loan limit ($1,249,125 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Santa Clara County. See the county
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
1
Sunnyvale has the 8th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 616 cities in California with more than 5,000 people (35%).
2
The typical home in Sunnyvale is worth $1,801,800,21% more than in Santa Clara County as a whole ($1,490,600).
3
44% of households in Sunnyvale own their home, against 55% in Santa Clara County.
4
Sunnyvale has the 48th highest typical household income of the 659 cities in California with more than 5,000 people ($186,170).
5
Sunnyvale has the 62nd highest typical rent of the 648 cities in California with more than 5,000 people ($3,039).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
The homes here
Housing in Sunnyvale
What homes there are in Sunnyvale, 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
Detached houseAttached houseBuilding of 2 to 4Apartments (5 or more)Mobile homeBoat, RV and otherUnreliable estimate
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
California
United States
Kind of home: Sunnyvale and its comparisons
Measure
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
California
United States
Detached house
36%
51%
57%
61%
Attached house
10%
11%
7%
6%
Building of 2 to 4
10%
7%
8%
8%
Apartments (5 or more)
39%
29%
24%
19%
Mobile home
6%
3%
4%
6%
Boat, RV and other
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
0%
There are more apartments in Sunnyvale than in Santa Clara County: 39% of homes, against 29%.
Year built
Before 19601960–19791980–19992000–20092010 or later
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
California
United States
Year built: Sunnyvale and its comparisons
Measure
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
California
United States
Before 1960
22%
22%
27%
26%
1960–1979
35%
38%
29%
24%
1980–1999
22%
20%
25%
25%
2000–2009
8%
9%
11%
14%
2010 or later
12%
11%
8%
11%
By age, homes in Sunnyvale look like those in Santa Clara County: the typical year built is 1976.
There are fewer big homes in Sunnyvale than in Santa Clara County: 46% have 3 bedrooms or more, against 56%.
What it costs here
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Value of owner-occupied homes
Under the limitOver the limitCould be either side
Under $100K3%
$100K–$200K3%
$200K–$300K5%
$300K–$500K4%
$500K–$750K3%
$750K–$1M4%
$1M or more79%
FHA limit: $1,249,125
Value of owner-occupied homes: Sunnyvale and its comparisons
Measure
Sunnyvale
Under $100K
3%
$100K–$200K
3%
$200K–$300K
5%
$300K–$500K
4%
$500K–$750K
3%
$750K–$1M
4%
$1M or more
79%
The FHA limit for Santa Clara County is high ($1,249,125): at least 22% of owner-occupied homes in Sunnyvale are worth less than $1,000,000.
Monthly rent with utilities
Under the limitOver the limitCould be either side
Under $5001%
$500–$9992%
$1,000–$1,4992%
$1,500–$1,9996%
$2,000–$2,49914%
$2,500–$2,99923%
$3,000 or more51%
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $3,272
Monthly rent with utilities: Sunnyvale and its comparisons
Measure
Sunnyvale
Under $500
1%
$500–$999
2%
$1,000–$1,499
2%
$1,500–$1,999
6%
$2,000–$2,499
14%
$2,500–$2,999
23%
$3,000 or more
51%
At least 49% of rented homes in Sunnyvale cost less than $3,000, below HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent ($3,272).
With a mortgage
$4,000 or more a month
Santa Clara County: $4,000 or more a month
Without a mortgage
$1,063 a month
Santa Clara County: $1,155 a month
Owners with a mortgage
62%
Santa Clara County: 67%
With a mortgage, the typical cost of owning in Sunnyvale is $4,000 or more a month, the highest group the Census publishes. Without one, $1,063.
How it changed
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024
Change since 2015–2019
Typical home value
Sunnyvale+47%
Santa Clara County+52%
California+46%
United States+53%
Typical rent
Sunnyvale+21%
Santa Clara County+26%
California+36%
United States+33%
Typical household income
Sunnyvale+32%
Santa Clara County+32%
California+32%
United States+29%
Change since 2015–2019: Sunnyvale and its comparisons
Measure
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
California
United States
Typical home value
+47%
+52%
+46%
+53%
Typical rent
+21%
+26%
+36%
+33%
Typical household income
+32%
+32%
+32%
+29%
Homes in Sunnyvale gained value more slowly than in Santa Clara County: 47% since 2015–2019, against 52%.
Since 2015–2019, the typical rent in Sunnyvale rose 21%, less than in Santa Clara County (26%).
The typical household income in Sunnyvale rose 32% over that time; home values changed +47% and rent +21%.
How people live
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
How people live: Sunnyvale and its comparisons
Measure
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
California
United States
Rental vacancy
3.2%
5.1%
4.2%
5.5%
Homeowner vacancy
Unreliable estimate
0.7%
0.8%
0.9%
More than one person per room
7.1%
7.5%
8.2%
3.4%
People per household
2.54
2.82
2.84
2.53
Drive alone
54%
60%
66%
69%
Carpool
8%
9%
10%
9%
Public transit
4%
2%
3%
3%
Walk or bike
3%
3%
3%
3%
Work from home
29%
24%
17%
15%
Other means
2%
2%
2%
2%
Typical commute
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
In Sunnyvale, the rental vacancy rate is 3.2%; in Santa Clara County, 5.1%.
Much as in Santa Clara County, 7.1% of households in Sunnyvale have more than one person per room.
On average, a household in Sunnyvale has 2.54 people, fewer than in Santa Clara County (2.82).
In Sunnyvale, 29% of workers work from home, more than in Santa Clara County (24%).
Do the math
What would you pay each month for a home in Sunnyvale?
A typical home costs more than the typical income allows
We start with a typical home in Sunnyvale, worth $1,801,800, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 94% of the typical household income in Sunnyvale, which is $186,170 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $625,207 a year. Note: at that price the loan is above the FHA limit for Santa Clara County ($1,249,125), so FHA would not insure it; the payment is only a reference.
The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Santa Clara County.
Change the price, the down payment or the loan: the payment updates right away.
Your numbers
Local data
$
Starts at the typical home value in Sunnyvale. Change it to the price you have in mind.
Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.
Down payment
%
That is $63,063 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.
This week's average ± a quarter or half point.
National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.
Adjust advanced details⌄
Estimated monthly payment
Local data
$14,588
at 7.18% · 30 years
Loan amount
$1,769,165
Total interest
$2,545,413
Paid off in
November 2056
Includes $30,428 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
Does it fit the income?
Comfortable
up to $4,344 a month
Tight
$4,344 to $5,585 a month
Hard
more than $5,585 a month
Your payment · 94%
Compared with the typical household income in Sunnyvale ($186,170 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.
Monthly payment breakdown
Principal & interest
$11,985
Property tax
$766
Home insurance
$751
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
$1,087
This loan is over the FHA limit
You'd borrow $1,738,737, but the FHA limit for a one-unit home in Sunnyvale is $1,249,125. You'd need a bigger down payment or a different loan.
You need at least $63,063 for the down payment, plus closing costs.
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.
Total monthly payment $14,588; principal and interest $11,985.
The city and its county
Sunnyvale and Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale is in Santa Clara 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).
Sunnyvale
Map of Santa Clara County, California, with Sunnyvale marked. Around it, the neighboring counties.
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
Other cities with a page
Sunnyvale's own numbers
Typical home value
$1,801,800
Typical monthly rent
$3,039
Typical yearly household income
$186,170
Households that own their home
44%
Effective property tax rate
0.51%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).
Numbers for all of Santa Clara County
FHA limit, one-unit home
$1,249,125
Conventional limit, one unit
$1,249,125
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$3,272
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+35%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
6.7%
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 Santa Clara County.
A typical home in Sunnyvale is worth $1,801,800: 21% above the county and 145% above California. With the typical household income in Sunnyvale ($186,170 a year), a typical home costs 9.7 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.
Sunnyvale9.7 years
Santa Clara9.1 years
California7.4 years
United States4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024
How prices have changed in Santa Clara County
According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Santa Clara County rose 64% in the 10 years through 2025.
FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Santa Clara County.
Yearly change in FHFA’s price index in Santa Clara County, 2016 to 2025
2016: +9.7% +9.7% 2016
2017: +4.0% +4.0% 2017
2018: +11.8% +11.8% 2018
2019: −1.9% −1.9% 2019
2020: −3.0% −3.0% 2020
2021: +4.8% +4.8% 2021
2022: +15.7% +15.7% 2022
2023: +6.2% +6.2% 2023
2024: +5.3% +5.3% 2024
2025: −0.6% −0.6% 2025
Change in FHFA’s price index in Santa Clara County, California and the United States
Period
County
California
U.S.
Last year (2025)
−0.6%
+0.8%
+2.9%
5 years (2020–2025)
+35%
+40%
+47%
10 years (2015–2025)
+64%
+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
Sunnyvale next to Santa Clara 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
Sunnyvale$1,801,800
Santa Clara$1,490,600
California$734,700
United States$332,700
Typical monthly rent
Sunnyvale$3,039
Santa Clara$2,857
California$2,036
United States$1,413
Typical yearly household income
Sunnyvale$186,170
Santa Clara$164,281
California$99,122
United States$80,734
See the full table
Sunnyvale next to Santa Clara County and California
Measure
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara County
California
U.S.
Typical home value
$1,801,800 ▲21% above the county
$1,490,600
$734,700
$332,700
Typical monthly rent
$3,039 ▲6% above the county
$2,857
$2,036
$1,413
Typical yearly household income
$186,170 ▲13% above the county
$164,281
$99,122
$80,734
Households that own their home
44% ▼11 points below the county
55%
56%
65%
Typical yearly property tax
$9,220 ▼8% below the county
$10,001
$5,124
$3,119
Effective property tax rate
0.51% ▼0.16 points below the county
0.67%
0.7%
0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income
35% ▼10 points below the county
45%
55%
51%
“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Santa Clara 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 Sunnyvale
For a typical $1,801,800 home in Sunnyvale, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Sunnyvale's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.
FHA, 3.5% down$14,588a month
Above the FHA limit for Santa Clara County ($1,249,125)
Down payment
$63,063
Cash to close
$117,117
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
FHA MIP · $1,087
Conventional, 5% down$13,968a month
Above the conventional limit for Santa Clara County ($1,249,125): it would be a "jumbo" loan
Down payment
$90,090
Cash to close
$144,144
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
PMI · $856
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI$11,281a month
Above the conventional limit for Santa Clara County ($1,249,125): it would be a "jumbo" loan
Down payment
$360,360
Cash to close
$414,414
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
ITIN, 15% down (example)$12,947a month
Down payment
$270,270
Cash to close
$324,324
Rate
8.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Sunnyvale
Loan
Monthly payment
Down payment
Loan amount
Rate
Mortgage insurance
Cash to close
Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down Above the FHA limit for Santa Clara County ($1,249,125)
$14,588
$63,063
$1,769,165
7.18%
FHA MIP · $1,087
$117,117
580
Conventional, 5% down Above the conventional limit for Santa Clara County ($1,249,125): it would be a "jumbo" loan
$13,968
$90,090
$1,711,710
7.18%
PMI · $856
$144,144
620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI Above the conventional limit for Santa Clara County ($1,249,125): it would be a "jumbo" loan
$11,281
$360,360
$1,441,440
7.18%
None
$414,414
620*
ITIN, 15% down (example)
$12,947
$270,270
$1,531,530
8.18%
None
$324,324
Set by the lender
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.
Typical rent in Sunnyvale is $3,039 a month: 6% above the county. In Sunnyvale, 35% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Santa Clara County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($3,272 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $62.92 an hour working full time.
HUD fair market rent for all of Santa Clara County
What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.
HUD fair market rent in Santa Clara County (Fiscal year 2027)
Size
Fair rent a month
Hourly wage
Yearly income
Studio
$2,458
$47.27
$98,320
1 bedroom
$2,778
$53.42
$111,120
2 bedrooms
$3,272
$62.92
$130,880
3 bedrooms
$4,396
$84.54
$175,840
4 bedrooms
$4,688
$90.15
$187,520
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 Sunnyvale
HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Sunnyvale has 4 ZIP codes with their own.
For 2 bedrooms it runs from $3,610 in 94086 to $4,020 in 94085.
4 of the 4 are above the fair market rent for Santa Clara County ($3,272).
2-bedroom fair market rent in each of the 4 ZIP codes of Sunnyvale, beside the one for Santa Clara County. For 2 bedrooms it runs from $3,610 in 94086 to $4,020 in 94085. 4 of the 4 are above the fair market rent for Santa Clara County ($3,272).
2-bedroom fair market rent in each ZIP code
Each line is one ZIP code: in color, those above the county's fair market rent; in gray, the rest.
County: $3,272
Lowest: $3,610 (94086)Highest: $4,020 (94085)
Fair market rent by ZIP code and size in Sunnyvale, fiscal year 2027.
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 are 3 HUD-approved agencies with an office in Santa Clara County; 2 say they serve in Spanish.
No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Sunnyvale or Santa Clara County. The ones below are statewide in California: they work in Sunnyvale the same as in the rest of the state.
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).
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).
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).
No legal help resource on our list is for Sunnyvale or Santa Clara County in particular.
If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.
Short answers with the numbers for Sunnyvale and all of Santa Clara 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 Sunnyvale?
The typical home value in Sunnyvale is $1,801,800, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Santa Clara County it is $1,490,600.
How much does it cost to rent in Sunnyvale?
Typical rent in Sunnyvale is $3,039 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Santa Clara County is $3,272.
What is the FHA loan limit in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale uses the FHA limit for all of Santa Clara County (2026): $1,249,125 for a one-unit home and $2,402,625 for a four-unit home.
How much property tax do owners pay in Sunnyvale?
The typical homeowner in Sunnyvale pays $9,220 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 0.51% of the home’s value; in Santa Clara County, the rate is 0.67%.
Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Sunnyvale?
There are 3 HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Santa Clara County. 2 say they serve in Spanish. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.