San Francisco Mortgage Calculator
Homeownership in San Francisco can be challenging due to high real estate prices. Use our San Francisco mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments based on loan amount, interest rate, property tax, and more. Whether you're buying a condo in SoMa or a home in Noe Valley, this tool helps you understand what you can afford in one of the country’s most competitive housing markets.
Last updated: June 2025
Manually verified by: Sarah L. from ManyCalcs team
Data source: SF Department of Real Estate, MLS, SF Treasurer & Tax Collector
Why use a San Francisco Mortgage Calculator?
San Francisco has some of the highest home prices in the US. This calculator estimates your payment, PMI, city property tax, transfer tax, and closing costs.
San Francisco has some of the highest home prices in the US. This calculator estimates your payment, PMI, city property tax, transfer tax, and closing costs.
Result
Enter your details to see the estimated payment here.
Related Financial Tools
San Francisco Property Tax: The 2024–2025 property tax rate is about 1.18% of assessed value. Closing costs in SF are typically 2-5% of the purchase price plus a city transfer tax of 0.5–6% depending on the sale price.
Average Home Prices in San Francisco Neighborhoods (2025)
| Neighborhood | Detached | Semi-Detached | Townhouse | Condo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission District | $1,650,000 | $1,450,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,150,000 |
| Noe Valley | $2,400,000 | $1,950,000 | $1,750,000 | $1,450,000 |
| Pacific Heights | $3,300,000 | $2,900,000 | $2,600,000 | $1,950,000 |
| SoMa | $1,450,000 | $1,250,000 | $1,100,000 | $980,000 |
| Sunset District | $1,550,000 | $1,350,000 | $1,250,000 | $1,050,000 |
| Richmond District | $1,480,000 | $1,280,000 | $1,180,000 | $980,000 |
| Castro | $2,100,000 | $1,750,000 | $1,550,000 | $1,300,000 |
| Marina District | $2,800,000 | $2,400,000 | $2,100,000 | $1,700,000 |
Mobile Note: On small screens, some columns are hidden for better readability.
Prices are approximate averages for 2025 and may vary by property features and exact location within neighborhoods.
San Francisco Mortgage Economic Overview (2025)
Current SF Mortgage Rates
- 30-Year Fixed: 6.8% - 7.2%
- 15-Year Fixed: 6.3% - 6.7%
- 5/1 ARM: 6.1% - 6.5%
- VA Loans: 6.5% - 6.9%
- FHA Loans: 6.7% - 7.1%
Rates vary by lender, credit score, and down payment. SF metro rates typically align with Bay Area and California markets
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS, Bankrate
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS, Bankrate
SF Economic Indicators
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Median Income: $126,500
- Tech Sector Jobs: 28%
- Min Wage: $18.67/hr
- Population: 873,965
San Francisco Housing Market Trends
Homeownership Rates
- San Francisco: 37.2%
- California Average: 55.2%
- First-Time Buyers: 28%
- Cash Purchases: 35%
Market Activity
- Home Sales (YoY): -8.5%
- Days on Market: 28 days
- Inventory: 1.8 months
- Price Growth: +2.8%
Affordability Index
- SF Affordability: 11%
- Income Needed: $365,000
- Median Income: $126,500
- Housing Burden: 42.1%
San Francisco Neighborhood Housing Data (2025)
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Price/SqFt | Days on Market | Median Rent | Afford % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Heights | $3,100,000 | $1,380 | 25 days | $4,850 | 4% |
| Noe Valley | $2,200,000 | $1,280 | 22 days | $4,200 | 6% |
| Mission District | $1,550,000 | $980 | 32 days | $3,650 | 8% |
| SoMa | $1,350,000 | $1,150 | 28 days | $3,950 | 9% |
| Sunset District | $1,420,000 | $890 | 35 days | $3,200 | 9% |
| Richmond District | $1,380,000 | $850 | 38 days | $3,100 | 9% |
| Castro | $1,850,000 | $1,180 | 26 days | $3,800 | 7% |
Affordability %: Percentage of SF households that can afford median-priced home with 20% down payment
Sources: SF Planning Department, Zillow Research, Redfin Data Center
Sources: SF Planning Department, Zillow Research, Redfin Data Center
Factors Increasing SF Home Costs
- Tech Industry Wealth: High-paying tech jobs driving up demand and prices
- Limited Land Supply: City geography restricts new development opportunities
- Zoning Restrictions: Complex planning process limits housing production
- High Construction Costs: Labor and materials costs among highest in nation
- Regulatory Environment: Lengthy permitting and approval processes
- Investment Demand: International and domestic investment capital
Potential SF Housing Relief Factors
- Remote Work Trend: More flexible work reducing need to live in SF proper
- ADU Development: Accessory dwelling units increasing housing supply
- Transit-Oriented Development: New housing near public transit
- City Housing Programs: Below market rate (BMR) and inclusionary housing
- State Legislation: SB 9 and other laws to increase housing density
- Economic Uncertainty: Tech layoffs and market volatility moderating demand
San Francisco Housing Affordability Crisis
Key Challenges:
- Only 11% of households can afford median-priced home
- $365,000 annual income needed for median home purchase
- Median home price 14.5x median household income
- Rental costs consume 42% of median income
Contributing Factors:
- Extreme housing shortage (estimated 100,000+ unit deficit)
- Geographic constraints limiting expansion
- Wealthy tech workers driving up competition
- Complex zoning and environmental regulations
Impact: Many San Francisco residents are moving to East Bay, Peninsula, or leaving California entirely. Service workers often commute 1-2 hours each way to afford housing.
Sources:
SF Planning Department,
SPUR Housing Research
2025 San Francisco Housing Market Outlook
Price Projections
- 2025 Growth: +1% to +3%
- Prime Areas: +2% to +4%
- Outer Districts: +0% to +2%
- Condos: +1% to +3%
Market Conditions
- Sales Volume: Gradual recovery expected
- Inventory: Slight improvement to 2.5 months
- New Construction: 5,000 new units planned
- Tech Employment: Cautious hiring, remote work continues
Rate Expectations
- Q2 2025: 6.5% - 7.0%
- Q3 2025: 6.0% - 6.5%
- Q4 2025: 5.5% - 6.0%
- Risk: Fed policy uncertainty could delay cuts
Bottom Line: San Francisco's housing market remains extremely challenging with the nation's highest prices and lowest affordability. Modest price growth and potential rate relief later in 2025 may provide limited opportunities for buyers.
San Francisco Economy & Lifestyle Guide
Economic Overview
Industry Composition
- Technology: 28% (Google, Meta, Salesforce, Uber)
- Financial Services: 18% (Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab)
- Healthcare: 12% (UCSF, Kaiser Permanente)
- Tourism/Hospitality: 8%
- Professional Services: 15%
- Other: 19%
Economic Indicators
- GDP per Capita: $178,000
- Job Growth (YoY): +2.1%
- Venture Capital: $18.2B (2024)
- Startup Density: #1 globally
- Patent Activity: #2 nationally
- Foreign Investment: $4.8B annually
Cost of Living
Monthly Expenses (Single Person)
- 1BR Apartment Rent: $2,800 - $4,200
- Utilities: $150 - $250
- Groceries: $400 - $600
- Transportation (Muni): $81
- Dining Out: $300 - $800
- Total Monthly: $3,731 - $5,931
Family of 4 Expenses
- 3BR Apartment/House: $5,500 - $9,000
- Childcare (2 kids): $3,000 - $4,500
- Groceries: $800 - $1,200
- Total Monthly: $9,300 - $14,700
Quality of Life
Advantages
- Mild climate year-round (avg 60-65°F)
- World-class dining and cultural scene
- Excellent public transportation (Muni, BART)
- Proximity to nature (Golden Gate Park, beaches)
- Diverse, educated population
- Career opportunities in tech and finance
Challenges
- Extremely high housing costs
- Homelessness and urban issues
- Traffic congestion and parking difficulty
- High state and city taxes
- Earthquake risk
Transportation & Commuting
Public Transit
- Muni: City buses, trains, cable cars
- BART: Bay Area rapid transit to suburbs
- Caltrain: Peninsula and South Bay connection
- Ferry: To Marin County and East Bay
- Monthly Pass: $81 (Muni) / $150+ (BART)
Car Ownership
- Parking: $200-500/month private
- Street Parking: Extremely limited
- Gas: $4.50-5.50/gallon
- Insurance: $1,800-2,400/year
- Alternative: Car sharing (Zipcar, etc.)
Commute Times
- Within SF: 15-45 minutes
- To Peninsula: 45-90 minutes
- To East Bay: 30-75 minutes
- To South Bay: 60-120 minutes
- Peak Hours: 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM
San Francisco First-Time Buyer Programs
Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (DALP)
Program Details
- Loan Amount: Up to $200,000 (0% interest)
- Repayment: When you sell, transfer, or refinance
- Income Limits: Up to 120% of Area Median Income
- First-Time Buyer: Required (with some exceptions)
- Homebuyer Education: 8-hour course required
Income Limits (2025)
- 1 Person: $136,800
- 2 Person: $156,480
- 3 Person: $176,040
- 4 Person: $195,720
Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing
Ownership Program
- Discount: Homes sold at below-market prices
- Income Limits: 80-120% of Area Median Income
- Resale Restrictions: Limited appreciation upon sale
- Lottery System: Units awarded through lottery
- Geographic Preference: SF residents, workers get priority
Recent BMR Prices
- 1 Bedroom: $350,000 - $450,000
- 2 Bedroom: $450,000 - $600,000
- 3 Bedroom: $600,000 - $800,000
Additional Resources
Homebuyer Education
Financing Options
- FHA loans (3.5% down payment)
- VA loans (0% down for eligible veterans)
- Conventional loans with PMI
- Bank of America/Wells Fargo local programs
Frequently Asked Questions
The property tax rate for fiscal year 2024–2025 is roughly 1.18% of assessed value. This includes city, county, school, and district taxes. Property taxes are paid in two installments (December and April). See the SF Treasurer & Tax Collector for current rates and payment information.
San Francisco charges a Real Property Transfer Tax that varies by sale price: 0.5% for sales under $250,000, escalating up to 6% for luxury properties over $25 million. Most single-family homes pay 2.5-3.5% in transfer tax. This is paid by the seller but often affects negotiated sale prices. Check the official schedule for exact rates.
Yes, several programs exist:
- DALP (Down Payment Assistance Loan Program): Up to $200,000 at 0% interest for qualified buyers
- BMR (Below Market Rate) Housing: Discounted homes through city lottery system
- Homebuyer Education: Required 8-hour course with certified counselors
- Income Limits: Generally up to 120% of Area Median Income ($195,720 for family of 4)
For a median-priced home ($1.6M) with 20% down, you typically need:
- Annual Income: $365,000+ (28% debt-to-income rule)
- Down Payment: $320,000 (20%)
- Monthly Payment: $8,500+ (including taxes, insurance, PMI)
- Credit Score: 700+ for best rates
While no SF neighborhood is truly "affordable," relatively lower-cost options include:
- Outer Sunset/Richmond: $1.4-1.5M median, family-friendly, foggy
- Excelsior: $1.2-1.4M median, diverse, good transit
- Visitacion Valley: $1.1-1.3M median, up-and-coming area
- Bayview: $1.0-1.2M median, rapid gentrification
This depends on your financial situation and timeline:
Consider Buying If:
- Planning to stay 7+ years
- Income $200,000+ and stable job
- Have 20%+ down payment saved
- Want to build equity and stability
Consider Renting If:
- Career uncertainty or frequent moves
- Don't have large down payment
- Want flexibility and lower commitment
- Prefer not to handle maintenance
Current rent-to-price ratios in SF favor renting in many cases, but building equity and rent control protections make buying attractive for long-term residents.
How Mortgage Rules Work in San Francisco
Taxes & Fees
- Property Tax: San Francisco's property tax rate is about 1.18% of assessed value. Taxes are paid in two installments each fiscal year (December and April). See the city treasurer for details.
- Transfer Tax: The city imposes a Real Property Transfer Tax ranging from 0.5% to 6% of the sale price depending on value. Check the official schedule.
- Documentary Transfer Tax: Additional $1.10 per $1,000 of purchase price (paid by seller, but affects negotiations).
Insurance & PMI
- PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance): Required when your down payment is under 20%. PMI is added to your monthly payment until you build 20% equity or refinance.
- Homeowners Insurance: Required by all lenders. SF premiums average $1,200-2,000/year depending on property value and coverage.
- Earthquake Insurance: Not required but highly recommended in SF. Costs $800-2,500/year through California Earthquake Authority (CEA).
- Title Insurance: Protects against ownership disputes, required by lenders.
Closing Costs Example
Example: On a $1,600,000 home with 20% down ($320,000) in San Francisco:
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $1,280,000
- Monthly P&I (6.5%): $8,090
- Property Tax (monthly): $1,570
- Insurance (monthly): $150
- Total Monthly: $9,810
Closing Costs
- Loan Fees: $5,000 - $10,000
- Title/Escrow: $3,000 - $5,000
- Inspections/Appraisal: $2,000 - $3,000
- Prepaid Taxes/Insurance: $8,000 - $12,000
- Total Closing Costs: $18,000 - $30,000
Note: Transfer tax is typically paid by seller but may affect negotiated purchase price. Closing costs are separate from your down payment requirement.
Important Financial Disclaimer
Educational Tool Only: This San Francisco mortgage calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. All calculations are approximations and should not be considered as financial advice, mortgage pre-approval, or guarantee of loan terms.
Consult Professionals: Before making any real estate or mortgage decisions, consult with licensed mortgage lenders, real estate agents, financial advisors, and legal professionals. Only qualified professionals can provide advice specific to your financial situation.
Rate and Market Variability: Interest rates, home prices, property taxes, insurance costs, and lending requirements change frequently. Actual mortgage terms may differ significantly from estimates.
No Liability: We assume no responsibility for financial decisions made based on this calculator. Users should verify all information independently and obtain professional guidance for their specific circumstances.