California Closing Cost Calculator
Calculate comprehensive closing costs for California real estate transactions including buyer and seller expenses.
Get detailed estimates for transfer taxes, escrow fees, title insurance, and lender costs. Compare with our California mortgage calculator, PMI calculator, or explore loan options.
Get detailed estimates for transfer taxes, escrow fees, title insurance, and lender costs. Compare with our California mortgage calculator, PMI calculator, or explore loan options.
Last updated: June 2025
Data source: California Association of Realtors, County Transfer Tax Schedules
Manually verified by: Sarah L. from ManyCalcs team
Why use a Closing Cost Calculator?
Understanding all costs helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at closing. Costs vary significantly by county and transaction type.
Understanding all costs helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at closing. Costs vary significantly by county and transaction type.
Closing Cost Estimate
Enter your transaction details to see estimated closing costs breakdown.
Related Financial Tools
California Closing Cost Guide
Buyer Closing Costs
- Loan Origination Fee: 0.5-1% of loan amount
- Appraisal Fee: $400-$800
- Credit Report: $25-$50
- Title Insurance: 0.2-0.5% of purchase price
- Escrow Fee: $500-$2,000
- Home Inspection: $300-$600
- Recording Fees: $50-$250
- Prepaid Property Taxes: Varies
- Homeowner's Insurance: $800-$2,000
Seller Closing Costs
- Real Estate Commission: 5-6% of sale price
- Transfer Tax: $1.10 per $1,000 + local taxes
- Escrow Fee: $500-$2,000
- Title Insurance (Owner's): 0.2-0.5% of sale price
- Recording Fees: $50-$150
- HOA Transfer Fee: $100-$500
- Natural Hazard Disclosure: $75-$200
- Pest Inspection: $200-$400
- Repairs/Credits: Negotiable
Typical Closing Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Buyer Responsibility | Seller Responsibility | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Commission | - | ✓ | 5-6% of sale price | Usually split between listing and buyer agents |
| Transfer Tax (State) | - | ✓ | $1.10 per $1,000 | California documentary transfer tax |
| Local Transfer Tax | Varies | ✓ | $0-$15 per $1,000 | Varies significantly by city/county |
| Title Insurance (Lender's) | ✓ | - | 0.2-0.4% of loan amount | Protects lender's interest |
| Title Insurance (Owner's) | Varies | ✓ | 0.2-0.5% of purchase price | Protects buyer's ownership rights |
| Escrow Fees | ✓ | ✓ | $500-$2,000 each | Usually split 50/50 |
| Loan Origination | ✓ | - | 0.5-1% of loan amount | Lender processing fee |
| Appraisal | ✓ | - | $400-$800 | Required by lender |
| Home Inspection | ✓ | - | $300-$600 | Optional but recommended |
| Recording Fees | ✓ | ✓ | $50-$250 | Government recording charges |
California Transfer Tax Rates by County
Note: Transfer tax rates vary significantly by county and city. The state rate is $1.10 per $1,000, but local jurisdictions add additional taxes.
| County/City | State Rate | Local Rate | Total Rate (per $1,000) | Example ($800K home) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda County | $1.10 | $1.10 | $2.20 | $1,760 |
| Los Angeles County | $1.10 | $0.45 | $1.55 | $1,240 |
| Orange County | $1.10 | $0.00 | $1.10 | $880 |
| San Diego County | $1.10 | $0.00 | $1.10 | $880 |
| San Francisco | $1.10 | $6.00-$28.00 | $7.10-$29.10 | $5,680-$23,280 |
| Santa Clara County | $1.10 | $0.00 | $1.10 | $880 |
| San Jose | $1.10 | $3.30 | $4.40 | $3,520 |
| Sacramento County | $1.10 | $0.00 | $1.10 | $880 |
Closing Cost Tips & Strategies
Cost-Saving Tips
- Shop around for lenders to compare fees
- Negotiate seller credits for closing costs
- Ask for lender fee waivers or reductions
- Consider no-closing-cost loan options
- Bundle title and escrow services
- Time closing to minimize prepaid items
- Review closing disclosure carefully
Common Mistakes
- Not budgeting enough for closing costs
- Accepting first lender estimate without shopping
- Not reading closing disclosure until closing day
- Forgetting about prepaid expenses and escrows
- Not questioning unexpected or high fees
- Overlooking local transfer tax variations
- Not getting multiple title insurance quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
Buyers should budget 2-5% of the purchase price for closing costs. This includes loan fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. Sellers should budget 6-10% including real estate commissions and transfer taxes. In high-tax areas like San Francisco, costs can be significantly higher.
Yes, many closing costs are negotiable. Buyers can ask sellers to pay some or all buyer closing costs through seller credits. However, there are limits - typically no more than 3-6% of purchase price depending on loan type. The market conditions often determine negotiating power.
The closing disclosure is a detailed breakdown of all closing costs and loan terms. By law, you must receive it at least 3 business days before closing. Review it carefully and compare to your loan estimate. If there are significant changes, you may have the right to delay closing.
Some closing costs are tax deductible. Mortgage interest, points (loan origination fees), and property taxes are typically deductible. Title insurance, escrow fees, and inspections are usually not deductible but may be added to your home's cost basis. Consult a tax professional for specific advice.
You have several options if you're short on closing costs: Ask for seller credits, consider a no-closing-cost loan (higher rate), use down payment assistance programs, borrow from retirement accounts, or request gifts from family members. Planning ahead is crucial to avoid last-minute issues.
Yes, cash buyers still have closing costs, but they're much lower. You'll still pay for title insurance, escrow fees, recording fees, and inspections. You won't pay loan-related fees like origination, appraisal, or lender's title insurance. Total costs are typically 1-3% of purchase price instead of 2-5%.