California Mortgage Rates - September 2026
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect- Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
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Current 30-year fixed mortgage rates in California include Safe 1 Credit UnionSafe 1 Credit Union1008 Fremont St, Bakersfield, CA, 93215A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.40% at 6.00%, Partners Federal Credit UnionPartners Federal Credit Union100 N First St Ste 400, Anaheim, CA, 91201A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.23% at 6.09%, Inova Federal Credit UnionInova Federal Credit Union2607 7th St Ste A, Berkeley, CA, 94710 2571A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 9.29% at 5.99%, Certified Federal Credit UnionCertified Federal Credit Union1230 Lakes Dr Ste 108, Brea, CA, 90012 3352A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 1.20% at 6.25%, and F&A Federal Credit UnionF&A Federal Credit Union13303 Hadley St, MONTEREY PARK, CA, 90601A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.68% at 6.50%. Mortgage rates as of September 21, 2026 according to verified data from MonitorBankRates.
Use the tabs below to compare mortgage rates across all loan types in California side-by-side. California mortgage rates currently start as low as 6.00% from Safe 1 Credit Union at 1008 Fremont St, Bakersfield, CA, 93215. Rates are continually updated, so we recommend checking back frequently.
Mortgage Rates reflect actual verified offers from lenders actively lending to California borrowers. Your final approved rate will depend on your credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, and daily market movements. Last Updated and Verified: September 21, 2026
Compare Mortgage Rates Today in California
California 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
As Low As
No additional details available.
Comparison to FL Average
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Loan amount not to exceed $499,999
Term: Construction to Perm - 30 Year Fixed Rate
Term: No Closing Cost - 30 Year Fixed Rate
No additional details available.
The rates below are for primary residences located in North or South Carolina. If you are looking for properties outside of these areas, please contact us directly at 800-765-4527 x 1525. Our team will be happy to assist you with customized rates tailored to your specific location and requirements!; Home Loan rates as of 09/08/2026. The Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, for the loan programs shown reflects the interest rate and approximate cost of prepaid finance charges. These charges include a 1% Origination Fee but do not include other closing costs or discount points.
No additional details available.
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As low as;
Rates, terms, and fees as of 9/18/2026 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time and subject to change without notice. Select a product to view important disclosures, payments, assumptions, and APR information. Please note we offer additional home loan options not displayed here.
On a typical loan of $500,000.00
As low as
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No additional details available.
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Term: FHA - 30 Year Fixed Rate
No additional details available.
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As Low As; VA Loan
As low as; Rates may include points. See All Mortgage Rates for details.
No additional details available.
All loans are contingent on approval, rates, terms, conditions, and are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your rate is not final until you have received a Locked Commitment (30, 45, or 60) day commitments available). APR* examples above are based on an owner-occupied, detached single family residence, Purchase or Limited Cash Out refinance, loan amount of $450,000 at a maximum 60% Loan to Value (LTV), minimum Credit Score of 720 and 30-day lock commitment. Disclosed APR* includes 15 days of estimated prepaid interest. Final rate will depend on factors including market conditions, specific characteristics of the loan transaction, and Private Mortgage Insurance for loans over 80% LTV. For 30-Year loans less than $275,000, 20-year less than $176,000, and 15-year less than $201,000, please contact your Loan Officer for the discounted interest rates and APRs. For purchases, the minimum down payment is 3.0% of purchase price; for refinances, maximum LTV is 97%. Limited Cash Out is receiving cash back in an amount that is not more than the lesser of 2% of the new refinance loan amount or $2,000.
Origination Fee: $4,425
As Low As
No additional details available.
Rates, terms, and fees as of 9/18/2026 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time and subject to change without notice. Select a product to view important disclosures, payments, assumptions, and APR information. Please note we offer additional home loan options not displayed here.
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Term: No Closing Cost - FHA 30 Year Fixed Rate
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w/ 0.875 Points; Payment: 1,576.63 *; Rate as low as
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Balance: $832,751 to $1,249,125; Term: 30-Year Fixed High Balance
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As low as
$6.65 Payment/$1,000
Origination Fee: $1,425
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From $50K to $832,750
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$6.74 Payment/$1,000
California 15 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates
No additional details available.
Loan amount not to exceed $499,999
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Term: No Closing Cost - 15 Year Fixed Rate
No additional details available.
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The rates below are for primary residences located in North or South Carolina. If you are looking for properties outside of these areas, please contact us directly at 800-765-4527 x 1525. Our team will be happy to assist you with customized rates tailored to your specific location and requirements!; Home Loan rates as of 09/08/2026. The Annual Percentage Rate, or APR, for the loan programs shown reflects the interest rate and approximate cost of prepaid finance charges. These charges include a 1% Origination Fee but do not include other closing costs or discount points.
No additional details available.
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Get peace of mind with predictable monthly payments. Both traditional and short-term options available. As low as 6.250%
Origination Fee: $4,425
No additional details available.
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Term: FHA - 15 Year Fixed Rate
No additional details available.
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No additional details available.
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As Low As; VA Loan
w/ 0.750 Points; Payment: 2,057.81 *; Rate as low as
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On a typical loan of $500,000.00
Origination Fee: $1,425
As low as;
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
From $50K to $832,750
No additional details available.
$11.29 Payment/$1,000
Rates, terms, and fees as of 9/18/2026 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time and subject to change without notice. Select a product to view important disclosures, payments, assumptions, and APR information. Please note we offer additional home loan options not displayed here.
Balance: $832,751 to $1,249,125; Term: 15-Year Fixed High Balance
Term: No Closing Cost - FHA 15 Year Fixed Rate
No additional details available.
$11.35 Payment/$1,000
No additional details available.
$8.71 Payment/$1,000
No additional details available.
$8.78 Payment/$1,000
No additional details available.
All loans are contingent on approval, rates, terms, conditions, and are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your rate is not final until you have received a Locked Commitment (30, 45, or 60) day commitments available). APR* examples above are based on an owner-occupied, detached single family residence, Purchase or Limited Cash Out refinance, loan amount of $450,000 at a maximum 60% Loan to Value (LTV), minimum Credit Score of 720 and 30-day lock commitment. Disclosed APR* includes 15 days of estimated prepaid interest. Final rate will depend on factors including market conditions, specific characteristics of the loan transaction, and Private Mortgage Insurance for loans over 80% LTV. For 30-Year loans less than $275,000, 20-year less than $176,000, and 15-year less than $201,000, please contact your Loan Officer for the discounted interest rates and APRs. For purchases, the minimum down payment is 3.0% of purchase price; for refinances, maximum LTV is 97%. Limited Cash Out is receiving cash back in an amount that is not more than the lesser of 2% of the new refinance loan amount or $2,000.
$8.78 Payment/$1,000
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$8.85 Payment/$1,000
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California 5/1 ARM Mortgage Rates
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Enjoy a low initial rate that adjusts with the market. Various terms and options available. As low as 5.625%
ARM = Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Adjustable Rate Mortgages are variable and the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may increase after the initial fixed rate period.
As low as;
No additional details available.
6.125% / 6.700% Rate; $6.08 / $6.41 Payment/$1,000
Conforming ARM loans: Index Source = 30 Day SOFR Margin = 2.500 Index Rate = 3.647% Fully Indexed Rate = 3.647% + 2.500 = 6.147% 5/6 Annual Cap = 2.000% 7/1 and 10/1 Initial Rate Cap Maximum = 5.000%; then 2.000% thereafter Life Cap = 5.000% over initial rate
Caps: 2/2/6
Margin: 2.500%; Caps: 2/2/6
ARM Index: One-Year Constant Maturity Treasury Rate; ARM Margin: 2.500%; ARM Caps: 1/1/4; Maximum rate and APR over the life of the loan is 4% from the start rate.
No additional details available.
Caps: 2/2/5
Margin: 2.375%; Caps: 2/2/5
As low as;
On a typical loan of $500,000.00, then 300 monthly payments with a rate of 6.375% and payments of $3,110.06
No additional details available.
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As low as 3% down payment; Loan limits and other loan qualification criteria apply. APR=Annual Percentage rate. ARM = Adjustable Rate Mortgage. The "as low as" rate applies to the 5/5 ARM product. At a 6.000% initial interest rate, the APR for this loan type is 6.379% and is subject to increase. "5/5" means the initial APR and initial payment schedule will not change for the first 5 years, but your APR and/or payment schedule may change every 5 years thereafter. The initial APR is discounted and is not based on the Index and margin used to make later APR and payment adjustments. Representative Payment Example at Current Market Rates: For a $400,000 loan at an initial discounted interest rate of 6.000% and APR of 6.379%, the monthly payment schedule would be 60 payments of $2,398.20 followed by 300 payments of $2,870.01 at an interest rate of 7.990% (based on current market rates). This example assumes no change in the rate after the second 5-year adjustment period; however, the interest rate may change every 5 years based on changes in the Index; your payment can change every 5 years based on changes in the interest rate. If an escrow account is required or requested, the actual monthly payment will also include amounts for real estate taxes, homeowner's insurance, flood and private mortgage insurance if applicable. Eligible properties are primary residence single-family homes and Planned Unit Development (PUD) properties.
Amount: $50,000 to $832,750
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Amount: $50,000 to $832,750
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Term: Adjustable Rate Program - 5/6 ARM; Rate may be increased after closing
No additional details available.
Origination Fee: $1,425; P&I Payments: $1,726.97
NY ONLY - APR*: 6.375%
No additional details available.
Amount: $50,000 to $832,750
Margin: 2.750%; Caps: 2% initial, 2% periodic, 5% lifetime; CMT Index: 4.240%
Initial 5 years fixed, then adjusts annually. For example on a 30-year 5/5 ARM loan of $300,000, you would make 360 monthly payments. The monthly payment in the first five years would be $1,750.72 and would be adjusted after the fifth year.
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Amount: $50,000 to $832,750
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Conform / Jumbo: Up to $806,500
Term: 5/6 ARM 30-Year Variable
Term: No Closing Cost - Adjustable Rate Program - 5/6 ARM; Rate may be increased after closing
Rate adjusts every 5 years; Margin: 2.375%; Caps: 2% initial, 2% periodic, 6% lifetime; CMT Index: 4.680%
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5
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Margin: 2.750%; Caps: 2% initial, 2% periodic, 5% lifetime; CMT Index: 4.240%
Rate adjusts every 5 years; Margin: 2.375%; Caps: 2% initial, 2% periodic, 6% lifetime; CMT Index: 4.680%
No additional details available.
All loans are contingent on approval, rates, terms, conditions, and are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your rate is not final until you have received a Locked Commitment (30, 45, or 60) day commitments available). APR* examples above are based on an owner-occupied, detached single family residence, Purchase or Limited Cash Out refinance, loan amount of $450,000 at a maximum 60% Loan to Value (LTV), minimum Credit Score of 720 and 30-day lock commitment. Disclosed APR* includes 15 days of estimated prepaid interest. Final rate will depend on factors including market conditions, specific characteristics of the loan transaction, and Private Mortgage Insurance for loans over 80% LTV. For 30-Year loans less than $275,000, 20-year less than $176,000, and 15-year less than $201,000, please contact your Loan Officer for the discounted interest rates and APRs. For purchases, the minimum down payment is 3.0% of purchase price; for refinances, maximum LTV is 97%. Limited Cash Out is receiving cash back in an amount that is not more than the lesser of 2% of the new refinance loan amount or $2,000.
Conform / Jumbo: Over $806,500
No additional details available.
California 30-Year Jumbo Mortgage Rates
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Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
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Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
Margin: 2.500%; Caps: 2/2/6
Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
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Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
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Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
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Finance higher-priced homes without a large down payment or multiple mortgages. As low as 6.875%
All loans are contingent on approval, rates, terms, conditions, and are subject to change at any time and without notice. Your rate is not final until you have received a Locked Commitment (30, 45, or 60) day commitments available). APR* examples above are based on an owner-occupied, detached single family residence, Purchase or Limited Cash Out refinance, loan amount of $450,000 at a maximum 60% Loan to Value (LTV), minimum Credit Score of 720 and 30-day lock commitment. Disclosed APR* includes 15 days of estimated prepaid interest. Final rate will depend on factors including market conditions, specific characteristics of the loan transaction, and Private Mortgage Insurance for loans over 80% LTV. For 30-Year loans less than $275,000, 20-year less than $176,000, and 15-year less than $201,000, please contact your Loan Officer for the discounted interest rates and APRs. For purchases, the minimum down payment is 3.0% of purchase price; for refinances, maximum LTV is 97%. Limited Cash Out is receiving cash back in an amount that is not more than the lesser of 2% of the new refinance loan amount or $2,000.
Jumbo loan amounts over the High Balance County Loan Limit; maximum LTV is 70% for $2.5M. Payment examples based on 20% down payment or 80% CLTV, FICO 700+, $1,249,125 Loan Amounts. Rates as of 8/11/2026 are subject to change without notice and are based on creditworthiness. Loans based on a purchase or no cash-out refinance, primary residence, single-family homes, with jumbo loan amounts over the High Balance County Loan Limit.
No additional details available.
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w/ 1.000 Points; Payment: 5,298.14 **; Rate as low as
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Balance: $832,751 to $2,500,000
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up to $1,500,000; APR & payment based on $975,000 loan; Rates subject to change daily. Home Loan Request More Information
No additional details available.
California 15-Year Jumbo Mortgage Rates
No additional details available.
Jumbo loan amounts over the High Balance County Loan Limit; maximum LTV is 70% for $2.5M. Payment examples based on 20% down payment or 80% CLTV, FICO 700+, $1,249,125 Loan Amounts. Rates as of 8/11/2026 are subject to change without notice and are based on creditworthiness. Loans based on a purchase or no cash-out refinance, primary residence, single-family homes, with jumbo loan amounts over the High Balance County Loan Limit.
No additional details available.
No additional details available.
Balance: $832,751 to $2,500,000
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Learn more
California 5/1 Jumbo ARM Mortgage Rates
As low as; As low as 5.750%
Margin: 2.500%; Caps: 2/2/6
No additional details available.
Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
Margin: 2.375%; Caps: 2/2/5
Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
No additional details available.
Amount: $832,751 to $2,500,000
No additional details available.
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Rate: 6.25%*
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California FHA Loan Rates
Term: FHA - 15 Year Fixed Rate
No additional details available.
Term: No Closing Cost - FHA 15 Year Fixed Rate
Term: FHA - 30 Year Fixed Rate
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Term: No Closing Cost - FHA 30 Year Fixed Rate
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Learn more
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California VA Loan Rates
As Low As; VA Loan
No additional details available.
Rate: 6.25%*
No additional details available.
Term: 5/6 ARM 30-Year Variable
Term: 7/6 ARM 30-Year Variable
Rates, terms, and fees as of 9/18/2026 10:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time and subject to change without notice. Select a product to view important disclosures, payments, assumptions, and APR information. Please note we offer additional home loan options not displayed here.
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Course of Construction Insurance is required. Ask your loan originator what other qualifications apply. All rates are subject to change without notice. Adjustable APRs may increase or decrease after loan consummation, with a maximum APR of 18%.
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Banks and Credit Unions: If you need to update your rate data or request removal from MonitorBankRates.com, please contact us here.
California Mortgage Rate Trends
Compare local California mortgage rate quotes against the statewide average
Daily mortgage rate averages tracked across our database of verified mortgage rate quotes, updated every evening.
California 30-year fixed rates rose 0.305 points over the past 7 days to 6.963%.
California 15-year fixed rates rose 0.404 points over the past 7 days to 6.619%.
California Mortgage Rate Forecast, Next 12 Months
Where are California mortgage rates headed through September 2027?
Based on Fed funds rate futures, 10-year Treasury path, and historical mortgage spread model. Not financial advice.
What Forecast Rates Mean for California Home Buyers
Monthly principal & interest payment on California median home of $734,700 (20% down, 30-year fixed, state-level Census ACS median)
| Scenario | Rate | Mo. Payment | vs. Today | % of Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today (CA avg) | 6.963% | $3,896 | — | 47.2% |
| 6-Month Forecast | 6.963% (6.61–7.26%) | $3,896 | +$0/mo | 47.2% |
| 12-Month Forecast | 7.213% (6.86–7.51%) | $3,995 | +$99/mo | 48.4% |
Income column = annual mortgage payment as % of California median household income ($99,122). Above 30% is generally considered cost-burdened.
MonitorBankRates Housing Affordability Index (MBR-HAI)
A daily-updated affordability score for California , updated every night from live mortgage rates across our monitoring network combined with U.S. Census Bureau income, home value, and cost burden data.
What This Score Means for California Home Buyers
With a score of 68.0, California is 30.4 points less affordable than the national average of 98.3. California ranks #51 out of 51 states for affordability, among the more expensive states relative to income.
The index reflects the current California 30-year mortgage rate of 6.963% combined with Census median home values, household income, property taxes, and cost burden data. A 0.25% rate change shifts the score by approximately 0.8-1.0 points, meaning today’s rate environment directly impacts how affordable homeownership is relative to local incomes across California.
Scores update each morning, computed from rate data captured the previous night. Computed from live mortgage rates across FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-chartered credit unions, combined with U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates (2024) and CPS/HVS Q4 2025. Score of 100 = national average at 6.5% reference rate. Full methodology →
How Mortgage Rates Impact Home Affordability in California
California Housing Market Overview
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median owner-occupied home value in California is approximately $734,700. The 2026 FHFA conforming loan limit for California is $832,750.
California Homeownership Rate
With a homeownership rate of 55.3%, significantly below the national average of 65.7%, California has a large pool of potential buyers actively competing for available properties. The homeowner vacancy rate of 1.3% signals a tight market with limited available inventory, making it critical to secure the best possible rate quickly when a suitable property becomes available.
Monthly Payment Estimates for California Buyers
Even a small difference in your interest rate can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. The table below shows monthly principal and interest payments on a $590,000 mortgage, based on a 20% down payment on the California median home value.
| Interest Rate | Loan Term | Monthly Payment | Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.463% | 30-year fixed | $3,715 | $747,348 |
| 6.963% Current Avg | 30-year fixed | $3,911 | $817,829 |
| 7.463% | 30-year fixed | $4,110 | $889,754 |
| 6.619% | 15-year fixed | $5,178 | $342,078 |
A 0.500% rate increase on a $590,000 loan adds roughly $200 per month and over $71,925 in total interest over a 30-year term. That’s why comparing verified, current rates from multiple lenders, using the rate table above, is one of the most impactful financial decisions a California buyer can make.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau; Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Monthly payments shown are principal & interest only; taxes, insurance, and PMI not included.
California Income & Housing Affordability
At a price-to-income ratio of 7.4x, California is a high-cost housing market where the ratio of home prices to local incomes is well above the national norm. That ratio, median home value divided by median household income, is a standard benchmark used by housing economists to gauge how accessible homeownership is relative to local earnings. The national baseline is approximately 3.8x.
What This Means for California Buyers
With a median household income of $99,122 per year in California ($8,260/month) and a median home value of approximately $734,700, a buyer financing at 80% LTV at the current average rate would commit roughly 47.3% of gross monthly income to principal and interest alone. That exceeds the 43% debt-to-income ceiling most conventional lenders use as their maximum qualification threshold, meaning many buyers must bring a larger down payment, add a co-borrower, or target lower price points to qualify.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau. Monthly payment estimate assumes 80% LTV at current average rate; principal and interest only.
Full Cost of Homeownership in California
A mortgage payment is just the starting point. Property taxes, insurance, and utilities add hundreds of dollars per month to the true cost of owning a home across California. Understanding the full picture before you buy is the difference between a home you can afford and one that stretches you thin.
Owner vs. Renter Costs
Across California, the median homeowner with a mortgage pays approximately $2,221/month in total housing costs, covering the mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. The median renter pays $2,036/month including utilities. The $185/month difference between owning and renting is relatively narrow, worth factoring carefully into a rent vs. buy analysis given that owners also build equity over time. Property taxes alone account for $487/month of the ownership cost, a figure that can vary dramatically by location and is often underestimated by first-time buyers.
Housing Cost Burden
The federal standard defines “cost burdened” as spending more than 30% of gross household income on housing. “Severely cost burdened” means spending 50% or more. Both thresholds leave little room for savings, emergencies, or other financial goals.
Across California, 38% of homeowners with mortgages are cost burdened and 53% of renters are cost burdened. Renters face significantly higher burden rates than owners, a pattern that often reflects lower renter incomes rather than lower rental costs, and one that can make the path from renting to owning financially difficult even when mortgage payments might be affordable. The 38% owner burden rate, well above the national average of 28.0%, underscores why securing the lowest possible mortgage rate is especially important here. Even a 0.25% rate reduction on a median-priced home can move a buyer from cost-burdened to within the manageable threshold.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Monthly owner costs include mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, and utilities. Property taxes reflect median annual taxes for mortgage holders. Rent reflects median gross rent including utilities. Cost burden figures reflect households spending 30%+ of gross income on housing.
California Mortgage Payment Calculator
See your estimated monthly principal & interest payment at today’s California rates. The home price is prefilled with the local median home value. Adjust anything, or click a current rate on the right to apply that loan type’s rate and term instantly.
Principal & interest only, excludes property taxes, homeowners insurance, PMI, and HOA dues. See the Full Cost of Homeownership section above for those figures. Estimates are for informational purposes only.
Run the Numbers on Your California Home Loan
Rates are only part of the equation. Use these calculators to translate current California mortgage rates into real numbers for your specific situation before you talk to a lender.
Enter your loan amount, interest rate, and term length to see your estimated monthly principal and interest payment. Adjust any variable to model different scenarios: a larger down payment, a shorter term, or a rate a quarter-point lower than what you were quoted.
CalculateTell us your gross income, monthly debt obligations, and how much you have for a down payment. We’ll show you the home price range you’re likely to qualify for at current California rates, so you can shop with a realistic number in mind rather than discovering your ceiling after you’ve fallen in love with a property.
CalculateIf you already own a home, enter your current rate, remaining loan balance, and the rate you’ve been quoted to refinance. The calculator shows your new monthly payment, how much you’d save each month, and the break-even point, the number of months it takes for your savings to cover the closing costs of refinancing.
CalculateBuying isn’t always the better financial decision, and renting isn’t always throwing money away. This calculator weighs the full cost of each path: mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and maintenance against rent increases and the opportunity cost of a down payment, to show which option builds more wealth over your intended time horizon in California.
CalculateTypes of Mortgages Available in California
Borrowers in California have access to a wide range of mortgage programs. Rates, down payment requirements, and eligibility rules vary significantly across products. Understanding the differences before you compare lenders can save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage locks your interest rate in for the entire loan term. Your principal and interest payment on day one is identical to payment 360. That predictability is valuable for long-term financial planning, especially in markets where housing costs represent a large share of household income.
Available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-year terms. The 30-year minimizes monthly payments; the 15-year cuts total interest paid dramatically but requires a higher monthly commitment. The payment comparison table above shows exactly how those trade-offs look at today’s California rate levels.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
An ARM offers a fixed introductory rate for an initial period, commonly 5, 7, or 10 years, after which the rate adjusts periodically based on a market index. The starting rate is typically lower than a comparable fixed-rate loan, which reduces your monthly payment during the initial window.
ARMs work best when you have a defined exit timeline: if you plan to sell or refinance before the fixed period ends, you capture the lower rate without exposure to future adjustments. Rate caps govern how much the rate can move at each adjustment and in total, so read those terms closely before committing.
FHA Loan
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are built for buyers who don’t yet meet conventional loan standards. You can qualify with a credit score of 580 and just 3.5% down, and some lenders will consider scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment.
The cost of that lower barrier is mortgage insurance. FHA loans carry an upfront MIP of 1.75% of the loan amount (which can be rolled in) plus an annual MIP of 0.15%–0.75% depending on your term and LTV. For buyers who would otherwise wait years to save a larger down payment, given ongoing home price trends in California, FHA is often the faster path to ownership.
VA Loan
Available to eligible active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and qualifying surviving spouses, VA loans are among the most favorable mortgage programs available anywhere. No down payment is required, there is no monthly mortgage insurance, and rates are generally competitive with, and often better than, conventional loan rates.
A one-time funding fee applies, 2.15% of the loan for first-time VA borrowers with no down payment, which can be financed into the loan. In California, where home prices require substantial savings for a conventional down payment, the zero-down VA benefit is an enormous advantage for those who qualify.
Jumbo Loan
Conforming loan limits in California vary by county. The 2026 FHFA baseline is $832,750 for most counties, with higher limits in designated high-cost areas. Any mortgage exceeding the applicable county limit is a jumbo loan and falls outside Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
Jumbo underwriting is stricter: lenders typically require a credit score of 700 or higher, substantial cash reserves, thorough income documentation, and a down payment of at least 10–20%. Rates may run slightly above conforming levels, though the gap narrows in competitive lending environments.
Methodology & Data Sources
Independent, Free, and Unbiased Rate Comparisons: MonitorBankRates.com is an independent rate comparison service. Our California mortgage rate tables are free for consumers to use, and we do not receive payment from any lender to be included or to be ranked in any particular order. Listings are based solely on the rates each lender publicly advertises on its own website.
A Note on Third-Party Rate Tools: Some pages on our site also feature rate comparison widgets and tools provided by third-party partners. These tools may include sponsored listings or affiliate links, and we may receive compensation when users click through them. We clearly label these widgets so you can tell at a glance which rates come from our independent MonitorBankRates.com tables and which come from our advertising partners.
Direct-Sourced & Verified Mortgage Rate Data: We aggregate mortgage and refinance rates for California directly from the official websites of local lenders, credit unions, and national mortgage originators using our proprietary rate aggregation technology and a dedicated team of rate updaters. Every rate displayed is highly accurate and trustworthy.
Local, Regional, and National Coverage: Our systems constantly monitor the market to provide a complete picture of available home loan products in California. We feature a comprehensive mix of licensed NMLS financial institutions, from neighborhood credit unions and competitive regional banks to large national originators available to borrowers in CA.
Daily Updates & Time-Stamped Accuracy: Our rate updaters verify and update mortgage rates daily. Because rates and APRs can fluctuate rapidly based on bond markets and economic conditions, every loan product features its own “last updated” date for full transparency.
Proprietary Lender Health & Safety Grades: Beyond tracking rates, MonitorBankRates evaluates the financial stability of every listed institution. Our Health Grades (A+ to F) and Star Ratings are composite metrics calculated using objective regulatory data, including the Texas Ratio, ensuring you compare rates from secure, reliable lenders.
How a Mortgage Works in California
A mortgage is a loan used to buy a home in California, secured by the property itself as collateral. The borrower repays the amount over a set term, most commonly 30 or 15 years, in monthly installments that cover both principal and interest. Because the loan is secured, the lender can foreclose on the home if payments are not made, which is part of why mortgage rates are lower than rates on unsecured debt.
Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages for California Buyers
A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate for the entire term, so a California homeowner’s principal-and-interest payment never changes. For example, Safe 1 Credit Union is listing a 30-Year Fixed Mortgage at 6.00%. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) starts with a fixed period, often five, seven, or ten years, and then adjusts periodically based on a market index. ARMs usually open with a lower rate, but the payment can rise once the fixed period ends, so they tend to suit California borrowers who expect to move or refinance before that point. On the adjustable-rate side, Actors Federal Credit Union is listing a Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) - 5/1 ARM at 4.50%.
How California Mortgage Rates Are Set
Mortgage rates move with the broader bond market, particularly the yield on the 10-year Treasury, plus a spread that reflects lender costs and risk. On top of that national baseline, the rate a California borrower is offered depends on individual factors: credit score, down payment size, loan amount, loan type, and the property itself. This is why the advertised rates above are a starting point, and a borrower’s final rate is set once an application is underwritten.
Points and Closing Costs in California
The interest rate is not the only cost of buying a home in California. Discount points are an optional upfront fee (one point equals one percent of the loan amount) paid to lower the rate over the life of the loan. Closing costs cover items such as origination fees, appraisal, title insurance, and recording, and typically run two to five percent of the loan. Comparing the annual percentage rate (APR) alongside the note rate helps California shoppers account for these costs when weighing lenders.
When California Homeowners Should Consider Refinancing
Refinancing replaces an existing mortgage with a new one, usually to secure a lower rate, change the term, or tap home equity. For California homeowners, the general guideline is that refinancing makes sense when the savings from a lower rate recoup the closing costs within the time the borrower plans to stay in the home, known as the break-even point. Borrowers also refinance to switch from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate, or to remove mortgage insurance once enough equity has built up. Current California refinance rates from local lenders are listed on our refinance page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mortgage Rates in California
How does my credit score affect my rate in California?
What is a 30-Year Fixed Mortgage?
What are closing costs in California?
Should I lock my mortgage rate?
What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?
What is a Jumbo Loan in California?
Do I need 20% down to buy a house in California?
What is the difference between Interest Rate and APR?
How do I find the best lender in California?
What is the median home value in California?
What is the homeownership rate in California?
What is the conforming loan limit in California?
What is the median monthly cost of homeownership in California?
What are the median property taxes in California?
What is the median rent in California?
What percentage of homeowners are cost burdened in California?
What percentage of renters are cost burdened in California?
What are the best Mortgage rates in California?
- Safe 1 Credit Union: 6.00% (30-Year Fixed Mortgage)
- Partners Federal Credit Union: 6.09% (30 Yr Fixed)
- Inova Federal Credit Union: 5.99% (30 Year Fixed Rate)
- Certified Federal Credit Union: 6.25% (30-Year Fixed)
- F&A Federal Credit Union: 6.50% (30-Year Fixed-Rate Mortgage)
California Rates & Resources
Mortgage Rates by City in California
