# San Diego mortgages: prices, county loan limits and buyer help

> San Diego mortgage math: a $980,700 median home, the $1,104,000 county loan limit, Prop 13 property tax and San Diego Housing Commission help.

URL: https://mortgage-math-us.com/location/san-diego-ca/  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29 · By the MortgageMath US Editorial team

## Quick answer

The median owner-occupied home in San Diego is worth $980,700, above the California median of $759,500. With 10% down at the 7.24% national average rate it costs about **$7,364 a month**. The $882,630 loan is above the national baseline but within San Diego County’s 2026 conforming limit of $1,104,000. The San Diego Housing Commission’s middle-income program lends up to **$40,000** toward a down payment.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value | Source | As of |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home value, San Diego | $980,700 | [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=160XX00US0666000) | 2024 ACS 1-year |
| Median household income, San Diego | $111,032/yr | [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=160XX00US0666000) | 2024 ACS 1-year |
| Effective property tax rate, San Diego | 0.62% | [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=160XX00US0666000) | 2024 ACS 1-year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit, San Diego County | $1,104,000 | [FHFA: Conforming Loan Limit Values](https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit) | 2026 |
| San Diego County documentary transfer tax | 0.11% | [San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk: Recording](https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/recording.html) | Oct 29, 2026 |
| SDHC middle-income down-payment loan | $40,000 | [San Diego Housing Commission: First-Time Homebuyer](https://www.sdhc.org/housing-opportunities/first-time-homebuyer/) | Feb 1, 2026 |

## San Diego prices against California and the US

Among the 20 large cities this site covers, San Diego has the highest median home value and the highest median rent. The median home costs 8.8 times the median household income, against 7.6 for California and 4.4 for the US, with a median household income above the state’s. Most San Diego households rent: 46.5% of occupied homes are owner-occupied.

*City of San Diego compared with California and the US (Census ACS 2024 1-year)*

| | San Diego | California | United States |
|---|---:|---:|---:|
| Median home value | $980,700 | $759,500 | $360,600 |
| Median household income | $111,032 | $100,149 | $81,604 |
| Home value ÷ income | 8.8× | 7.6× | 4.4× |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.62% | 0.71% | 0.89% |
| Median gross rent | $2,414 | $2,104 | $1,487 |
| Median owner costs with a mortgage | $3,333 | $3,001 | $2,035 |
| Median year built | 1980 | 1977 | 1981 |

## Loan limits in San Diego County

At San Diego prices, the size of the loan decides which kind of mortgage you get. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac buy loans up to the national baseline of $832,750 for a single-family home, and up to $1,104,000 in San Diego County, a high-cost area. Loans above the county limit are jumbo loans with their own down-payment, reserve and credit standards.

*Median-price San Diego loans and the 2026 limits (FHFA)*

| Down payment on the median $980,700 home | Loan | Where it falls |
|---|---:|---|
| 10% | $882,630 | above the national baseline but within the San Diego County limit, so it is still a conforming (high-balance) loan |
| 20% | $784,560 | within the national baseline conforming limit |

To keep a median-price loan within the national baseline you would need about $147,950 down, or 15.1% of the price. With 10% down, the most you can pay and stay within the county limit is about $1,227,000. The [jumbo loans guide](https://mortgage-math-us.com/loan-types/jumbo-loans/) covers what changes above the limit.

## Monthly cost at the median price

> **Worked example: $980,700 home (San Diego’s median value), 30-year fixed at 7.24%**
>
> | | 10% down | 20% down |
> |---|---:|---:|
> | Principal and interest | $6,015 | $5,347 |
> | Property tax at 0.62% | $507 | $507 |
> | Insurance at the national $4.90 per $1,000 | $400 | $400 |
> | PMI | $441 | $0 |
> | **Total** | **$7,364** | **$6,254** |
> 
> PMI is the midpoint of Freddie Mac’s typical range. Insurance uses the national per-$1,000 figure; wildfire exposure in canyon and hillside areas can raise quotes.

The cash needed is large either way: $98,070–$196,140 for the down payment plus closing costs of $19,614–$49,035 at the CFPB’s typical range. Change the inputs in the [mortgage payment calculator](https://mortgage-math-us.com/tools/mortgage-payment-calculator/?price=981000&down=10&tax=0.62&state=CA).

## Proposition 13 and a new buyer’s tax bill

San Diego’s effective property tax rate of 0.62% is lower than California’s 0.71% and below the national 0.89%, but that average flatters what a buyer will pay. Under Proposition 13, California generally sets a home’s taxable value at its purchase price and limits increases while you own it, so long-time owners often pay tax on values far below today’s prices. Your bill starts from your purchase price at the full local rate, plus any special assessments on the parcel — ask for the property’s tax bill and check for assessments before you make an offer. Expect the tax line to be higher than the citywide average used in the example above.

## San Diego Housing Commission help for buyers

The San Diego Housing Commission runs the City of San Diego’s first-time homebuyer programs. At its latest update, the lower-income program showed no funding available, so don’t plan around it unless the Commission reopens it. The middle-income program was listed with funds available:

*SDHC middle-income first-time homebuyer program*

| Middle-income program | Terms |
|---|---|
| Down-payment loan | Up to $40,000 at 4% simple interest; no payments for 5 years, then repaid over 120 months |
| Closing-cost grant | Up to $10,000, forgiven after 3 years if you still live in the home |
| Income | Above the low-income limit, up to 150% of area median income |
| Price limit | $1,250,000 |

The $40,000 loan equals 4.1% of the median home value — helpful, but short of a 10% down payment at that price. Interest at 4% adds about $1,600 a year to the balance during the payment-free period. The program’s price limit is above the city’s median value. State programs from CalHFA are covered in the [California guide](https://mortgage-math-us.com/location/california/).

## Incomes and the San Diego price tag

The median San Diego household earns $111,032. Holding housing to Freddie Mac’s 30% guideline gives $2,776 a month, enough for about **$370,000** with 10% down at today’s average rate — 38% of the median value. Buying the median home on the same terms would take about $294,543 a year. Run your own income in the [affordability calculator](https://mortgage-math-us.com/tools/affordability-calculator/?state=CA&income=111032).

## Documentary transfer tax and renting

San Diego County’s Recorder collects a documentary transfer tax of 0.11% of value for the county and its cities — about $1,079 on a median-price home; the purchase contract says who pays it. California has no separate state transfer tax. The [closing cost calculator](https://mortgage-math-us.com/tools/closing-cost-calculator/?state=CA&price=981000) adds lender and title costs.

Most San Diego households rent: the median San Diego rent is $2,414 a month against about $7,364 to own the median home with 10% down. The [rent vs buy calculator](https://mortgage-math-us.com/tools/rent-vs-buy-calculator/?state=CA&price=981000&rent=2414) shows how long you would need to stay for buying to win. Compare [Los Angeles](https://mortgage-math-us.com/location/los-angeles-ca/) and [Seattle](https://mortgage-math-us.com/location/seattle-wa/), two other West Coast markets on this site.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the median home price in San Diego?

The Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in the City of San Diego at $980,700, against $759,500 for California and $360,600 for the US.

### What is the conforming loan limit in San Diego County?

For 2026 the one-unit conforming loan limit in San Diego County is $1,104,000, above the national baseline of $832,750. Larger loans are jumbo loans.

### What is the property tax rate in San Diego?

The Census effective rate is about 0.62% of value, but under Proposition 13 a buyer’s bill is based on the purchase price, so a new owner usually pays more than the citywide average suggests.

### Does San Diego have first-time homebuyer programs?

Yes. The San Diego Housing Commission’s middle-income program offers a down-payment loan of up to $40,000 and a closing-cost grant of up to $10,000 for homes up to $1,250,000. Its low-income program showed no funding available at the last update.

### How much income do you need to buy a house in San Diego?

About $294,543 a year keeps the payment on the median $980,700 home under 30% of gross income with 10% down at today’s average rate. The median San Diego household earns $111,032.

### Is there a transfer tax in San Diego?

Yes. San Diego County collects a documentary transfer tax of 0.11% of value, about $1,079 on a median-price home. California has no statewide transfer tax.

## Sources

- [Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey](https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms) — 30-year fixed rate, national weekly average (Week of Oct 29, 2026)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=160XX00US0666000) — Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=160XX00US0666000) — Median household income (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=160XX00US0666000) — Effective property tax rate (median taxes ÷ median home value) (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25064?g=160XX00US0666000) — Median gross rent (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25003?g=160XX00US0666000) — Share of occupied homes lived in by their owners (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=040XX00US06) — Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=040XX00US06) — Median household income (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=040XX00US06) — Effective property tax rate (median taxes ÷ median home value) (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25077?g=010XX00US) — Median value of owner-occupied homes (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B19013?g=010XX00US) — Median household income (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [Freddie Mac Research](https://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/homeowners-insurance-costs) — Average homeowners insurance premium per $1,000 of home value (2023 data)
- [Freddie Mac My Home](https://myhome.freddiemac.com/buying/breaking-down-pmi) — Typical PMI cost, low end; Typical PMI cost, high end (Oct 28, 2026)
- [CFPB](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/prepare/figure-out-how-much-you-want-to-spend/) — Typical closing costs, low end (share of purchase price); Typical closing costs, high end (share of purchase price) (Oct 28, 2026)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25103?g=010XX00US) — Effective property tax rate (median taxes ÷ median home value) (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [FHFA](https://www.fhfa.gov/news/news-release/fhfa-announces-conforming-loan-limit-values-for-2026) — 2026 baseline conforming loan limit (one-unit) (2026 limit)
- [FHFA: Conforming Loan Limit Values](https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit) — Conforming loan limit, San Diego County (one unit) (2026)
- [San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk: Recording](https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/recording.html) — San Diego County documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500 of value) (Oct 29, 2026)
- [San Diego Housing Commission: First-Time Homebuyer](https://www.sdhc.org/housing-opportunities/first-time-homebuyer/) — San Diego Housing Commission middle-income down-payment loan; San Diego Housing Commission middle-income loan interest rate (simple interest); San Diego Housing Commission middle-income loan, no monthly payments for (Feb 1, 2026)
- [Freddie Mac My Home](https://myhome.freddiemac.com/blog/homebuying/how-much-can-you-afford) — Freddie Mac guidance: housing costs below this share of gross income (Jan 22, 2026)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25064?g=040XX00US06) — Median gross rent (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25064?g=010XX00US) — Median gross rent (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25088?g=160XX00US0666000) — Median monthly owner costs, homes with a mortgage (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25088?g=040XX00US06) — Median monthly owner costs, homes with a mortgage (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25088?g=010XX00US) — Median monthly owner costs, homes with a mortgage (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25035?g=160XX00US0666000) — Median year homes were built (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25035?g=040XX00US06) — Median year homes were built (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B25035?g=010XX00US) — Median year homes were built (2024 ACS 1-year)
- [San Diego Housing Commission: First-Time Homebuyer](https://www.sdhc.org/housing-opportunities/first-time-homebuyer/)
- [San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk: Recording](https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/recording.html)
- [FHFA: Conforming Loan Limit Values](https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit)

_General information, not financial advice._