PenniesInvesting

California Mortgage Calculator

Prop 13 keeps tax rates low — but high home prices drive the payment.

No sign-upNo lender referralsNo spamNo data sharingNo credit check
Advertisement

Thanks to Proposition 13, California property tax rates are relatively low — roughly 0.7%–0.8% of assessed value per year, with annual increases capped. The bigger driver of a California payment is the home price itself. This calculator defaults to a CA-typical rate and price; adjust for local assessments and Mello-Roos where they apply.

How this calculator works

Enter your numbers and the monthly payment recalculates instantly — no submit button, no page reload. The payment breakdown separates principal, interest, taxes, insurance, PMI and HOA. Use the tabs to view a full amortization schedule, compare scenarios side by side, or work backward from a monthly budget. Your inputs are encoded in the page link so you can bookmark or share a scenario without any account.

Frequently asked questions

How does Prop 13 affect my taxes?

It caps the base property tax rate near 1% of assessed value and limits annual increases, so long-term owners often pay less than current market prices would imply.

What is Mello-Roos?

In some California communities, Mello-Roos special assessments add to your tax bill. Add them to the annual tax field if they apply to your home.

More mortgage calculators