RealHomeCost.net

Los Angeles County, CA Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your monthly mortgage payment in Los Angeles County with local property tax rates, homeowners insurance, and 2026 FHA and conforming loan limits.

Local Home Values & Affordability

With a median home value of $820,000, Los Angeles County is 165% above the national median of $310,000 — placing it firmly in premium territory where careful loan-type selection matters.

A 20% down payment on a median Los Angeles County home requires $164,000 in cash — or $28,700 for an FHA-minimum 3.5% down payment. Buyers with less than 20% down will also need to budget for PMI or FHA MIP.

Los Angeles County's $820,000 median sits between Kern County ($340,000) and San Francisco County ($1,350,000) within the California counties we track.

Property Tax in This Market

Los Angeles County has one of the lowest property tax rates in our dataset at 0.73% — 34% below the national average of 1.10%. This keeps monthly PITI payments notably lower than in high-tax markets with comparable home values.

Based on the 0.73% effective rate and a median home value of $820,000, a typical homeowner in Los Angeles County pays approximately $5,986 in annual property taxes — or $499 per month added to their mortgage payment.

Sources: Tax Foundation 2025

Homeowners Insurance Costs

Homeowners insurance in Los Angeles County runs approximately $1,400/year ($117/month), in line with the national average of $1,600.

Premium quotes in Los Angeles County typically range from $900 to $2,100 per year depending on home age, construction type, coverage limits, and your insurer. Always get multiple quotes.

Sources: NAIC 2024

Loan Limits & Financing Options

A buyer purchasing the median Los Angeles County home ($820,000) with FHA's minimum 3.5% down would borrow $791,300 — well within the $1,249,125 elevated FHA limit for this county. FHA financing is a viable option for most buyers here.

Los Angeles County is designated a high-cost area by both FHFA and HUD, meaning local FHA and conforming limits are elevated above the national baseline. This expanded purchasing power is a meaningful benefit for buyers compared to most-of-the-country baseline markets.

With 20% down on a median-priced home, the loan amount of $656,000 stays $593,125 below the $1,249,125 conforming limit — giving buyers access to conventional Fannie/Freddie pricing without jumbo underwriting.

Sources: HUD ML 2025-23, FHFA 2026

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%

≈ $164,000

%

Illustrative — check with your lender

$

Extra Monthly Payment

$

Estimated Monthly Payment

$4,958

Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend.

FHA Eligible

Loan Amount: $656,000

LTV: 0.01%

P&I Payment

$4,342

Total Interest

$907,256

over loan life

Payoff

30 yr

Closing Costs

$10,385–$19,384

est. range

Monthly Payment Breakdown

2026 Loan Limit Context

FHA Limit

$1,249,125

Conforming Limit

$1,249,125

Amortization Schedule

Mo.PaymentPrincipalInterestBalanceTotal Interest
1$4,342$543$3,799$655,457$3,799
2$4,342$546$3,796$654,911$7,596
3$4,342$549$3,793$654,361$11,389
4$4,342$553$3,790$653,809$15,178
5$4,342$556$3,787$653,253$18,965
6$4,342$559$3,783$652,694$22,748
7$4,342$562$3,780$652,132$26,529
8$4,342$565$3,777$651,567$30,306
9$4,342$569$3,774$650,998$34,079
10$4,342$572$3,770$650,426$37,850
11$4,342$575$3,767$649,850$41,617
12$4,342$579$3,764$649,272$45,380
Months 112 of 360

2026 Loan Limits — Los Angeles County, CA

Limit Type2026 LimitNote
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)$1,209,750Max loan for FHA-insured mortgage
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)$1,209,750Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac eligible

Source: HUD / FHFA. Data as of 2025-01-15.

FAQ — Los Angeles County Mortgage

What is the property tax rate in Los Angeles County?
The effective property tax rate in Los Angeles County is approximately 0.73%. This means a home worth $820,000 would have an estimated annual tax bill of about $5,986.
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit in Los Angeles County?
The 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home in Los Angeles County, CA is $1,209,750.
What is the conforming loan limit in Los Angeles County?
The 2026 conforming loan limit in Los Angeles County is $1,209,750. Loans above this amount are considered jumbo loans.
How does Proposition 13 affect property taxes on a new purchase in California?
Under Prop 13, property is assessed at its purchase price at the time of sale, and annual increases are capped at 2% per year. When you buy a home, the property's assessed value resets to the purchase price — so new buyers often pay significantly more in taxes than long-term owners of similar properties. This is known as "new-buyer tax shock."
Do I need earthquake insurance in California?
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. California has significant seismic risk in most populated areas. The California Earthquake Authority (CEA) offers policies that can be added to your coverage. Costs vary by ZIP code, home age, foundation type, and coverage level — typically $700–$3,000/year. Many lenders do not require it, but it's worth serious consideration.
What does PITI mean and why does it matter in Los Angeles County?
PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance — the four components of a full monthly mortgage payment. Lenders qualify you based on your total PITI payment, not just principal and interest. In Los Angeles County, property taxes and insurance can add hundreds of dollars per month to your P&I payment, so it's essential to use a calculator that includes all four components.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Los Angeles County?
Most conventional lenders require a minimum 620 credit score, though the best rates go to borrowers with 740+. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500–579 with 10% down. VA loans have no official minimum but most lenders want 580–620. Your credit score affects both loan eligibility and the interest rate you receive — a difference of 50–100 points can change your rate by 0.25–0.75%.

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