HomeRule

Cost of homeownership in California

State averages from Census ACS, energy costs from DOE EIA, and appreciation from FHFA. County-level detail is below.

Avg home value
$534,350
Avg property tax
$3,834
Homeownership rate
63.6%
1yr appreciation
-0.8%

Home price trend

FHFA House Price Index, quarterly.

Most expensive counties

  1. 1.San Mateo County$1,441,300
  2. 2.San Francisco County$1,348,700
  3. 3.Santa Clara County$1,316,800
  4. 4.Marin County$1,291,800
  5. 5.Alameda County$999,200
  6. 6.Santa Cruz County$951,300
  7. 7.Orange County$862,900
  8. 8.Napa County$794,500
  9. 9.Contra Costa County$787,300
  10. 10.Sonoma County$748,500

Most affordable counties

  1. 1.Modoc County14.1%
  2. 2.Del Norte County15.6%
  3. 3.Alpine County16.6%
  4. 4.Trinity County16.7%
  5. 5.Siskiyou County18.0%
  6. 6.Glenn County18.2%
  7. 7.Plumas County18.2%
  8. 8.Inyo County18.2%
  9. 9.Mariposa County18.2%
  10. 10.Lassen County18.3%
Avg electricity
32.5¢/kWh

DOE EIA residential average.

Avg annual energy cost
$3,514

Residential baseline.

Avg mortgage interest deduction
Pending

IRS SOI, state-level avg.

All counties in California

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to own a home in California?

Based on Census ACS, the state average home value in California is $534,350, with median annual property tax around $3,834. Your actual cost depends on county and property.

What is the property tax in California?

Property tax rates vary by county. California's state average sits at roughly $3,834 per year on a median home. See county-level pages for local rates.

How fast are home prices appreciating in California?

FHFA House Price Index data shows California appreciating -0.8% over the last year and 28.8% over the last five years.

Is homeownership high in California?

California's homeownership rate is 63.6% (Census ACS). The share of owner-occupied units varies widely across counties.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.