If so, you are in the right place! Get started by entering your personal confirmation number below.
Received an offer from us?
If so, you are in the right place! Get started by entering your personal confirmation number below.
Leaving SoFi Website
You are now leaving the SoFi website and entering a third-party website. SoFi has no control over the content, products or services offered nor the security or privacy of information transmitted to others via their website. We recommend that you review the privacy policy of the site you are entering. SoFi does not guarantee or endorse the products, information or recommendations provided in any third party website.
If you are considering purchasing a high-priced home in California, a jumbo loan may be in your future. Our California jumbo loan calculator helps you estimate monthly payments and total costs. Use this guide to learn more about jumbo loan limits, how jumbo mortgages differ from conforming loans, and how to effectively use a jumbo loan calculator to make an informed financial decision about buying your dream home in California.
Key Points
• Jumbo loans are required for large amounts that exceed the conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
• A significant down payment (at least 10%) and substantial cash reserves are often necessary to qualify.
• A jumbo loan calculator helps homebuyers estimate monthly payments, total interest, and overall costs of a jumbo mortgage.
• The California jumbo mortgage calculator includes property tax, but not homeowners insurance or HOA fees.
California Jumbo Loan Calculator
Calculator Definitions
• Jumbo loan: A jumbo loan is a mortgage exceeding the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The conforming loan limit in California varies by county. In 2025, in most counties, the limit is $806,500 for a single-family home, while in high-cost coastal areas, it can be up to $1,209,750.
• Home price: The home price is the purchase price you’ve agreed upon with the home seller. It affects your estimated monthly mortgage payment, total interest paid, and overall loan cost.
• Down payment: The down payment is the initial amount paid upfront. Jumbo loan requirements can be more strict, and you’ll typically need to put down at least 10% of the home price for this type of mortgage loan.
• Loan term: The loan term is the duration to repay the mortgage, typically 30 or 15 years, though terms of 10 or 20 years are also available. A longer term lowers monthly payments but increases total interest paid. A shorter term saves on interest but increases monthly payments.
• Interest rate: The interest rate is the cost of borrowing, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
• Annual property tax: Property tax is levied by local governments on land and buildings. It is typically a percentage of the property’s assessed value, which may differ from its market value.
Follow these steps to use the California jumbo loan calculator effectively:
Step 1: Enter Your Home Price
Enter the home price listed on your contract.
Step 2: Enter Your Down Payment Amount
Specify how much you will pay for a down payment. A jumbo loan requires at least 10% of the home price upfront.
Step 3: Select a Loan Term
Choose a loan term between 10 and 30 years.
Step 4: Enter Your Interest Rate
Input your anticipated interest rate to the second or third decimal point.
Step 5: Enter Your Property Tax Rate
Enter your annual property tax rate as a percentage. In California, the average effective property tax rate is 0.71%.
What Are Jumbo Loans and Conforming Loan Limits?
If you are looking to purchase a high-priced home, you are probably wondering what is a jumbo loan? It’s a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). In 2025, in most counties in California, the limit is $806,500 for a single-family home. In pricey Los Angeles and San Francisco counties, it can be as high as $1,209,750. Below you’ll find all the California counties with limits over the baseline.
California County Conforming Loan Limits Over Baseline
Alameda
$1,209,750
Contra Costa
$1,209,750
Los Angeles
$1,209,750
Marin
$1,209,750
Monterey
$970,600
Napa
$1,017,750
Orange
$1,209,750
San Benito
$1,209,750
San Diego
$1,077,550
San Francisco
$1,209,750
San Mateo
$1,209,750
Santa Barbara
$913,100
Santa Clara
$1,209,750
Santa Cruz
$1,178,750
Sonoma
$897,000
Ventura
$1,017,750
When comparing jumbo loans vs. conventional loans, jumbo loans often have more stringent qualification criteria. Borrowers generally need a higher credit score (700+) and significant cash reserves to qualify. Lenders also typically require a down payment of 10%, though some look for 20%. Fortunately, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is typically not required for down payments less than 20%.
There are many benefits of using a jumbo loan mortgage calculator, especially for first-time homebuyers. The calculator can help you budget by providing an estimate of your monthly mortgage payment, including principal, interest, and property taxes.
Also, you can use the calculator to compare offers from multiple lenders, so you can make informed decisions and find the loan that best serves your needs. This tool also shows how changes in interest rates can affect your payments, allowing you to plan for different scenarios.
How to Use the Jumbo Loan Calculator to Compare Scenarios
Here’s how to use the California jumbo loan calculator to compare different loan scenarios to meet your financial goals.
• Modify the home price to see how it affects affordability. Remember that you may qualify for a higher loan amount than you can comfortably afford.
• Consider a larger down payment to reduce your overall interest costs.
• Explore shorter loan terms to save on interest, although that will mean higher monthly payments.
• Input different interest rates to explore the implications of an adjustable-rate loan.
• Use the calculator to evaluate how minor rate changes could affect a jumbo loan.
Current mortgage rates by state.
Compare current home interest rates by state and find a mortgage rate that suits your financial goals.
Select a state to view current rates:
Deciding How Much House You Can Afford in California
To help you determine how much house you can afford in California, you can use the guideline that housing costs shouldn’t exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. If you are looking to purchase a $1 million home in California with a 10% down payment ($100,000), a 30-year term, and 6.75% interest rate, your monthly payment would be approximately $5,837, excluding taxes and insurance. You would need to earn an annual income of around $250,000 to comfortably afford that payment, assuming no other debts.
Lenders also recommend total debt payments stay under 36% of gross monthly income; other debt shouldn’t exceed about $1,600 monthly in this case. If you want to factor in other debts, such as a car loan, student loan, or credit card payment, you can use a home affordability calculator.
A more reliable method to help you determine affordability is to go through the mortgage preapproval process with a lender, where you provide detailed financial information. The lender will let you know whether you qualify for a loan and, if so, in what amount and under what terms.
Even though there are different types of mortgage loans, the core elements of any mortgage payment remain the same: the principal and interest. The California jumbo loan calculator also includes annual property tax, which may be part of your monthly payment.
Other financial obligations that may be rolled into your mortgage bill are homeowners insurance and homeowners association (HOA) dues. Understanding these components helps you get a more accurate picture of your total commitment, ensuring you are well-prepared for the financial responsibilities of homeownership.
Using the free calculators is for informational purposes only, does not constitute an offer to receive a loan, and will not solicit a loan offer. Any payments shown depend on the accuracy of the information provided.
Cost of Living in California
As you set your sights on purchasing a home in California, it’s a good idea to research the cost of living to help you determine how far your dollar goes. A state with a higher cost of living — like California — typically has much more expensive home prices, along with higher expenses for utilities, maintenance, and transportation.
With a cost of living index of 142.3, California is one of the most expensive states (Massachusetts is also high priced with a cost of living index of 141.2; New York is 125.1). California housing costs are twice the national average, and utilities are about 42% higher. When you’re budgeting for your jumbo loan payment, make sure to budget for higher costs for necessities too.
Tips on Reducing Your Jumbo Loan Payment
If you’re looking to lower your monthly mortgage payment, here are some tips:
• Shop around for less expensive homeowners insurance, opt for a higher deductible, or combine policies to secure a discount.
• Extend the term of your loan to reduce monthly payments, though this increases the total interest you’ll pay.
• If you face financial hardship in the future, talk to your lender about a loan modification.
As you consider a jumbo mortgage loan in California, use a jumbo loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments and total costs. This tool can help you experiment with different down payment amounts, various interest rates, and loan term options so you can make the right financial decision for your budget. By being proactive, you can be better prepared to locate and pay for the home of your dreams.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
In most inland California counties in 2025, the limit is $806,500 for a single-family home, while in high-cost coastal areas, it can be as high as $1,209,750. You can find a list of limits by county on the Federal Housing Finance Authority website at FHFA.gov.
What credit score is needed for a jumbo loan?
A credit score of 700 or higher is typically required for consumers to qualify for the higher loan amounts of a jumbo loan (some lenders prefer 720). That lofty score can help the lender feel more secure that you’ll pay back the amount you borrow.
What are the benefits of a jumbo loan?
Jumbo loans offer several benefits, including the ability to finance high-value properties and gain access to certain interest rates. Despite the fact that they can be higher risk for a lender, jumbo loans can have competitive rates in favorable markets.
Is $900,000 a jumbo loan?
Yes, a $900,000 mortgage is typically classified as a jumbo loan in most parts of the U.S. In 2025, the conforming loan limit for a single-family home is $806,500. This limit is higher in designated high-cost areas.
SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
SOHL-Q425-119
