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Mortgage Rates California (CA) for April 2026
Content reviewed by
Brian McKay
Brian McKay
Founder & Data Architect
Expertise
Automated Online Rate Data Aggregation
Location-Based Rate Tables
Bank & Credit Union Health Safety Ratings
Bank & Credit Union Star Ratings
Finance Calculators
Brian is the Founder of MonitorBankRates.com. For over 18 years, he has utilized his background in enterprise infrastructure to engineer proprietary systems that track rates from over 8,000 financial institutions.
Editorial Disclosure
The rates displayed are actual, verified rates sourced directly from the official websites of lenders actively lending in California. Our editorial content is independent of any advertiser relationships.
|✓Fact Checked|Mortgage Rates Last Updated and Verified: April 14, 2026
Current 30-year fixed mortgage rates in California include Ontario-Montclair School Employees Federal Credit UnionOntario-Montclair School Employees Federal Credit Union1520 N Palmetto Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 0.39% at 4.99%, TULARE COUNTYTULARE COUNTY300 N K St, Porterville, CA, 93257 2358A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 5.05% at 5.12%, Wells FargoWells Fargo1 Kaiser Plz, Agoura Hills, CA, 90001A5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 7.44% at 5.50%, Carolinas Telco Federal Credit UnionCarolinas Telco Federal Credit Union2305 Historic Decatur Rd Ste 300, San Diego, CA, 92106 6073A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 4.17% at 5.75%, and Coasthills Credit UnionCoasthills Credit Union100 COMMUNITY LOOP, Arroyo Grande, CA, 93401 4084A+5.0 ★Texas Ratio: 2.74% at 5.88%. Mortgage rates as of April 14, 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 4.99% from Ontario-Montclair School Employees Federal Credit Union at 1520 N Palmetto Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762. Rates are continually updated — 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: April 14, 2026
Compare Mortgage Rates Today in California
Source: Verified Mortgage Rate Data provided by MonitorBankRates
Lender
Product
Term
Rate
APR
Profile
Ontario-Montclair School Employees Federal Credit Union
As Low As; Loan rates are based on term and applicant credit history. All loans are subject to credit approval, Loan-To-Value (LTV) requirements, and all other Gain Federal Credit Union policies and procedures. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Loans are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. No prepayment penalty.
As Low As; Loan rates are based on term and applicant credit history. All loans are subject to credit approval, Loan-To-Value (LTV) requirements, and all other Gain Federal Credit Union policies and procedures. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Loans are available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. No prepayment penalty.
The mortgage rates displayed are verified and sourced directly from the official websites of the listed financial institutions. Your final approved rate will depend on your specific credit history, credit score, loan amount, and down payment.
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.
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.
With a score of 81.5, California is 19.1 points less affordable than the national average of 100.6. California ranks #42 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 6.614% 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.
Score updated nightly from live mortgage rates across 8,500+ monitored institutions 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
California
55.3%
-10.4% vs. national avg
U.S. National Rate
65.7%
CPS/HVS Q4 2025
Homeowner Vacancy Rate
1.3%
Tight market — low inventory
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
5.915%
30-year fixed
$3,505
$671,861
6.415%
Current Avg
30-year fixed
$3,696
$740,661
6.915%
30-year fixed
$3,892
$810,998
6.036%
15-year fixed
$4,990
$308,243
A 0.500% rate increase on a $590,000 loan adds roughly
$195 per month and over
$70,337 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.
California Median Income
$99,122
+22.8% vs. national median
ACS 5-Year 2024
U.S. Median Income
$80,734
National baseline
ACS 5-Year 2024
Price-to-Income Ratio
7.4x
National avg: 3.8x
Home value / household income
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 44.7% 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
Median Monthly Owner Cost
$2,221
Mortgage, taxes, insurance & utilities
Median Gross Rent
$2,036
Rent including utilities
Ownership Premium
+$185
Owner cost vs. rent per month
Owning costs 9% more than renting
Median Annual Property Tax
$5,839
$487/month added to housing 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.
Owner Cost Burden (30%+)
38%
of mortgage holders
16.7% severely burdened (50%+)
Renter Cost Burden (30%+)
53%
of renters
27.5% severely burdened (50%+)
National Owner Burden
28.0%
of mortgage holders nationally
47.6% of renters nationally
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.
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.
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mortgage Rates in California
How does my credit score affect my rate in California?
Your credit score is a major factor. Generally, borrowers in California with higher credit scores (760+) receive the lowest interest rates.
What is a 30-Year Fixed Mortgage?
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a home loan where the interest rate remains the same for the entire 30-year term. It is the most popular type of mortgage in California because it offers lower monthly payments compared to shorter-term loans.
What are closing costs in California?
Closing costs are fees paid at the end of a real estate transaction, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. In California, these may include appraisal fees, title insurance, and recording fees.
Should I lock my mortgage rate?
If you are satisfied with the current rate and worried rates might rise before closing on your home in California, locking your rate is a good idea. It guarantees your rate for a specific period.
What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?
An ARM has an interest rate that can change over time. It usually starts with a lower fixed rate for a period (e.g., 5 years) before adjusting annually based on market indices.
What is a Jumbo Loan in California?
A Jumbo Loan exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA. In high-cost areas of California, these limits are higher. These loans typically require stronger credit and larger down payments.
Do I need 20% down to buy a house in California?
No. While 20% avoids Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), many lenders in California offer loans with as little as 3% or 3.5% down (FHA). VA loans may require no down payment.
What is the difference between Interest Rate and APR?
The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal. The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus other costs like points and fees, giving a truer cost of the loan.
How do I find the best lender in California?
Compare rates from multiple sources including local banks, credit unions, and online lenders using the tables on this page to find the best offer for your situation.
What is the median home value in California?
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 this area is $832,750. Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
What is the homeownership rate in California?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Vacancies and Homeownership survey (CPS/HVS, Q4 2025), the homeownership rate in California is 55.3%, compared to the national rate of 65.7%. Source: census.gov/housing/hvs.
What is the conforming loan limit in California?
The 2026 FHFA conforming loan limit for California is $832,750. Mortgages above this amount are considered jumbo loans and typically require stronger credit, a larger down payment, and additional reserves. Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency, fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit.
What is the median monthly cost of homeownership in California?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median monthly owner cost for mortgage holders in California is approximately $2,221 per month. This includes the mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and utilities.
What are the median property taxes in California?
The median annual property tax paid by homeowners with a mortgage in California is $5,839 per year ($487 per month). Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
What is the median rent in California?
The median gross rent in California is $2,036 per month, including utilities. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
What percentage of homeowners are cost burdened in California?
38% of mortgage holders in California spend more than 30% of their gross household income on housing costs -- the federal definition of cost burdened. 16.7% are severely cost burdened, spending 50% or more of their income on housing. The national average for owner cost burden is 28.0%. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
What percentage of renters are cost burdened in California?
53% of renters in California spend more than 30% of their gross income on rent, compared to the national average of 47.6%. 27.5% are severely cost burdened at 50% or more. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
What are the best Mortgage rates in California?
Ontario-Montclair School Employees Federal Credit Union: 4.99% (30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage)
TULARE COUNTY: 5.12% (30-Year Fixed Rate)
Wells Fargo: 5.50% (30-Year Fixed-Rate VA)
Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union: 5.75% (30-Year Fixed)
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: April 14, 2026
Brian McKay
