How much house can I afford in California on $150k?
At $150k gross, the 28% cap is about $3,500 a month. That often fits an inland home near $550k — not a coastal $850k+ listing at today's rates.
Living · California
How Much House Can You Afford in California?
California buyers face high list prices, state income tax on take-home pay, and insurance that can rival the mortgage in fire-prone areas. Use the calculator with California tax and insurance defaults. Then open a city page for local median prices.
California at a glance
$785,000Median home price (approx.)
$96,000Median household income
0.75%Typical property tax rate
On a $785,000 home, tax near 0.75% is about $490/month. Insurance near 0.45% of value is about $294/month. HOA is about $200/month where it applies.
At the state median home price, many buyers need gross pay near $245k to hit the 28% line with 20% down at 6.5%. Inland metros fit closer to $120k–$160k.
Compare with Texas: No state income tax but lower coastal prices are rare.
Living costs in California
Home price is one line. Rent, groceries, tax, and salary needs shape whether a payment feels comfortable.
Top cities in California
Median price and income vary a lot inside one state. Pick your city for local tax, insurance, and a prefilled calculator.
| City | Median price | Median income | Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $875,000 | $82,000 | Very high — median list prices sit above the 28% line for typical salaries. |
| San Francisco | $1,250,000 | $140,000 | Extreme — even strong earners often rent or buy with a large down payment. |
| San Diego | $920,000 | $95,000 | High — military and tech wages help, but insurance and HOA add up fast. |
FAQ — California
Does Prop 13 change my payment?
Prop 13 limits how fast your assessed tax can rise. Your first-year bill still depends on purchase price and local rates.
Should I use the US calculator or this page?
Use the US page for the rules. Use this page for California tax, insurance, and city medians.