Santa Clara Mortgage Calculator

Calculate your Santa Clara mortgage payment with PMI, property tax, transfer tax, and closing costs.
Useful for home buyers in all Santa Clara neighborhoods from Rivermark to Bowers. Compare with San Jose mortgage rates or explore our advanced mortgage calculator for detailed analysis.
Last updated: June 2025 Manually verified by: Sarah L. from ManyCalcs team Data source: Santa Clara County MLS, City of Santa Clara, Santa Clara County Tax Assessor
Why use a Santa Clara Mortgage Calculator?
Santa Clara has some of the highest home prices in Silicon Valley. This calculator estimates your payment, PMI, city property tax, transfer tax, and closing costs.
Santa Clara Property Tax: The 2024–2025 property tax rate is about 1.10% of assessed value. Closing costs in Santa Clara are typically 1.5-3% of the purchase price plus a transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000 of value. Compare with our California mortgage calculator to see statewide rates.

Important Financial Disclaimer

This Santa Clara mortgage calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. The calculations provided are estimates based on the information you enter and should not be considered as financial advice, loan commitments, or guarantees of actual mortgage terms.

Calculator Limitations:

  • Results are estimates only and may not reflect actual loan terms
  • Interest rates, fees, and terms vary by lender and borrower qualifications
  • Property taxes, insurance, and PMI costs are approximate
  • Market conditions and regulations change frequently
  • Individual financial situations affect eligibility and terms

Professional Consultation Required:

  • Consult qualified mortgage professionals before making decisions
  • Obtain official loan estimates from licensed lenders
  • Verify all calculations with financial advisors
  • Consider your complete financial picture and goals
  • Review all loan documents carefully before signing

No Warranty: We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this calculator for any particular purpose. Use at your own risk and discretion.

Average Home Prices in Santa Clara Neighborhoods (2025)

Neighborhood Detached Semi-Detached Townhouse Condo
Rivermark $2,100,000 $1,850,000 $1,650,000 $1,200,000
Bowers $1,950,000 $1,750,000 $1,550,000 $1,100,000
Moonlight $2,200,000 $1,900,000 $1,700,000 $1,250,000
Laurelwood $1,850,000 $1,650,000 $1,450,000 $1,050,000
Central Park $1,750,000 $1,550,000 $1,350,000 $950,000
Old Quad $1,650,000 $1,450,000 $1,250,000 $900,000
Santa Clara Station $1,800,000 $1,600,000 $1,400,000 $1,000,000
Agnew $1,700,000 $1,500,000 $1,300,000 $950,000
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.
Calculate your mortgage: Use our amortization calculator to see payment schedules for these prices, or compare with San Jose home prices for potentially more affordable options.

Santa Clara Mortgage Economic Overview (2025)

Current Santa Clara Mortgage Rates

  • 30-Year Fixed: 6.5% - 6.9%
  • 15-Year Fixed: 6.0% - 6.4%
  • 5/1 ARM: 5.8% - 6.2%
  • VA Loans: 6.2% - 6.6%
  • FHA Loans: 6.4% - 6.8%
Rates vary by lender, credit score, and down payment. Santa Clara County rates typically align with Bay Area and California markets. Use our interest rate calculator to compare different scenarios.
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS, Bankrate

Santa Clara Economic Indicators

  • Unemployment: 2.8%
  • Median Income: $142,500
  • Tech Sector Jobs: 45%
  • Min Wage: $17.75/hr
  • Population: 127,647
Data as of June 2025. Calculate your potential salary with our salary calculator or plan for retirement with our retirement planning tool.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, City of Santa Clara

Santa Clara Housing Market Trends

Homeownership Rates

  • Santa Clara: 58.7%
  • California Average: 55.2%
  • First-Time Buyers: 32%
  • Cash Purchases: 28%

Market Activity

  • Home Sales (YoY): -5.2%
  • Days on Market: 18 days
  • Inventory: 1.2 months
  • Price Growth: +3.8%

Affordability Index

  • Santa Clara Affordability: 18%
  • Income Needed: $285,000
  • Median Income: $142,500
  • Housing Burden: 32.8%

Santa Clara Neighborhood Housing Data (2025)

Neighborhood Median Price Price/SqFt Days on Market Median Rent Afford %
Rivermark $2,050,000 $1,180 15 days $4,200 12%
Moonlight $2,150,000 $1,220 16 days $4,350 11%
Bowers $1,900,000 $1,080 18 days $3,950 15%
Central Park $1,720,000 $980 20 days $3,650 18%
Laurelwood $1,820,000 $1,040 19 days $3,750 16%
Old Quad $1,620,000 $920 22 days $3,450 20%
Santa Clara Station $1,780,000 $1,010 17 days $3,800 17%
Affordability %: Percentage of Santa Clara households that can afford median-priced home with 20% down payment
Sources: Santa Clara Planning Department, Zillow Research, Redfin Data Center

Factors Increasing Santa Clara Home Costs

  • Silicon Valley Tech Hub: Proximity to major tech companies (Intel, NVIDIA, Applied Materials)
  • Limited Housing Supply: Strict zoning and development controls limiting new construction
  • Corporate Campuses: Major employers attracting high-income workers
  • Transportation Access: VTA light rail and highway access increasing desirability
  • School Quality: Highly rated schools driving family demand
  • Investment Demand: International and domestic investment capital from tech wealth

Potential Santa Clara Housing Relief Factors

  • Remote Work Trend: Tech companies offering more flexible work reducing housing pressure
  • New Development: City approving more housing projects and mixed-use developments
  • Transit-Oriented Development: New housing near VTA stations and Caltrain
  • ADU Ordinances: Accessory dwelling units increasing housing supply
  • State Housing Laws: SB 9 and SB 10 enabling more housing density
  • Economic Cycles: Tech industry layoffs and market corrections moderating demand

Santa Clara Housing Affordability Challenge

Key Challenges:

  • Only 18% of households can afford median-priced home
  • $285,000 annual income needed for median home purchase
  • Median home price 12.2x median household income
  • Rental costs consume 33% of median income

Contributing Factors:

  • High concentration of tech companies driving demand
  • Limited developable land and restrictive zoning
  • Competition from high-earning tech workers
  • Proximity to major Silicon Valley employers

Impact: Many Santa Clara residents are moving to Central Valley or other Bay Area cities for affordability. Essential workers often have long commutes to find affordable housing.

2025 Santa Clara Housing Market Outlook

Price Projections

  • 2025 Growth: +2% to +4%
  • New Developments: +3% to +5%
  • Established Areas: +1% to +3%
  • Condos: +2% to +4%

Market Conditions

  • Sales Volume: Steady with tech employment
  • Inventory: Limited supply continues
  • New Construction: 2,200 new units planned
  • Tech Employment: Stable hiring, some remote work

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: Santa Clara's housing market remains competitive with strong tech sector demand and limited inventory. Modest price growth expected with potential rate relief providing some opportunities for qualified buyers.

Santa Clara Economy & Lifestyle Guide

Economic Overview

Industry Composition

  • Technology: 45% (Intel, NVIDIA, Applied Materials, Qualcomm)
  • Manufacturing: 18% (Advanced tech manufacturing)
  • Healthcare: 8% (Kaiser Permanente, El Camino Hospital)
  • Professional Services: 12%
  • Retail/Services: 10%
  • Other: 7%

Economic Indicators

  • GDP per Capita: $165,000
  • Job Growth (YoY): +3.2%
  • Tech Employment: 45% of workforce
  • Patent Activity: #3 nationally per capita
  • Median Household Income: $142,500
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.8%

Planning to invest in Santa Clara real estate? Use our investment calculator to analyze potential returns or our business calculator for commercial investments.

Cost of Living

Monthly Expenses (Single Person)

  • 1BR Apartment Rent: $2,400 - $3,800
  • Utilities: $120 - $200
  • Groceries: $350 - $550
  • Transportation (VTA): $96
  • Dining Out: $250 - $650
  • Total Monthly: $3,216 - $5,296

Family of 4 Expenses

  • 3BR Apartment/House: $4,800 - $7,500
  • Childcare (2 kids): $2,800 - $4,200
  • Groceries: $700 - $1,100
  • Total Monthly: $8,300 - $12,800

Quality of Life

Advantages

  • Mild Mediterranean climate year-round (avg 65-75°F)
  • Family-friendly community with excellent schools
  • Good public transportation (VTA light rail, Caltrain)
  • Proximity to nature (parks, hiking trails, bay)
  • Diverse, highly educated tech workforce
  • Career opportunities at major tech companies

Challenges

  • Very high housing costs relative to income
  • Limited housing inventory and competition
  • Traffic congestion on major highways (101, 237)
  • High state and local taxes
  • Earthquake risk (San Andreas Fault proximity)

Transportation & Commuting

Public Transit

  • VTA Light Rail: Blue/Green lines through city
  • VTA Bus: Local and express routes
  • Caltrain: To San Francisco and Peninsula
  • ACE Train: To Central Valley
  • Monthly Pass: $96 (VTA) / $200+ (Caltrain)

Car Ownership

  • Parking: $50-200/month private
  • Street Parking: Generally available
  • Gas: $4.30-5.20/gallon
  • Insurance: $1,600-2,200/year
  • Alternative: Car sharing, ride-share

Commute Times

  • Within Santa Clara: 10-25 minutes
  • To San Jose: 15-30 minutes
  • To San Francisco: 45-75 minutes
  • To Peninsula: 20-40 minutes
  • Peak Hours: 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM

Santa Clara First-Time Buyer Programs

Santa Clara Housing Authority Programs

Program Details

  • Loan Amount: Up to $150,000 (low 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: Required course completion

Income Limits (2025)

  • 1 Person: $120,000
  • 2 Person: $137,000
  • 3 Person: $154,000
  • 4 Person: $171,000

Affordable Housing Programs

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: Santa Clara residents, workers get priority

Recent Affordable Housing Prices

  • 1 Bedroom: $450,000 - $550,000
  • 2 Bedroom: $550,000 - $700,000
  • 3 Bedroom: $700,000 - $900,000

Additional Resources

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 1.10% of assessed value. This includes city, county, school, and district taxes. Property taxes are paid in two installments (December and April). See the Santa Clara County Tax Collector for current rates and payment information.

Santa Clara charges a Real Property Transfer Tax of $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price, which is relatively modest compared to other Bay Area cities. This is a flat rate regardless of property value. The transfer tax is typically paid by the seller but often affects negotiated sale prices. Check the city website for current rates and regulations.

Yes, several programs exist:
  • Santa Clara Housing Authority: Up to $150,000 at low interest for qualified buyers
  • Affordable Housing Programs: Discounted homes through city lottery system
  • Homebuyer Education: Required course with certified counselors
  • Income Limits: Generally up to 120% of Area Median Income ($171,000 for family of 4)
Visit Santa Clara affordable housing for complete program details. Use our loan calculator to estimate your borrowing capacity.

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
With less than 20% down, you'll need PMI but can buy with lower savings. Consider outer neighborhoods, condos, or first-time buyer programs for more affordable options. Calculate your affordability with our salary calculator or explore debt payoff strategies to improve your buying power.

While no Santa Clara neighborhood is truly "affordable," relatively lower-cost options include:
  • Old Quad: $1.6-1.7M median, historic charm, walkable
  • Agnew: $1.7-1.8M median, family-friendly, good schools
  • Central Park: $1.7-1.8M median, parks nearby, community
  • Laurelwood: $1.8-1.9M median, newer developments
Consider condos in any neighborhood for 20-30% savings vs. single-family homes. Also look at affordable housing programs for significant discounts.

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 Santa Clara favor renting in many cases, but building equity and stable housing costs make buying attractive for long-term residents with stable tech employment.

How Mortgage Rules Work in Santa Clara

Taxes & Fees

  • Property Tax: Santa Clara's property tax rate is about 1.10% of assessed value. Taxes are paid in two installments each fiscal year (December and April). See the Santa Clara County tax collector for details.
  • Transfer Tax: Santa Clara charges a transfer tax of $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price. Check the city website for current rates.
  • Documentary Transfer Tax: County charges $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. Santa Clara premiums average $1,000-1,800/year depending on property value and coverage.
  • Earthquake Insurance: Not required but highly recommended in Santa Clara. Costs $600-2,000/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 santa clara:

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.

Legal Disclaimer

No Financial, Legal, or Professional Advice: This Santa Clara mortgage calculator and all information provided are for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice, legal advice, accounting advice, real estate advice, investment advice, or any other professional advice.

Estimates Only: All calculations, estimates, payment amounts, interest rates, and financial projections are approximate and for illustrative purposes only. Actual mortgage terms, rates, fees, taxes, insurance costs, and payments may vary significantly based on numerous factors including but not limited to: credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment amount, property type, loan program, lender requirements, market conditions, and economic factors.

No Guarantee of Accuracy: While we strive to maintain accurate information about Santa Clara County, California mortgage programs, interest rates, property taxes, and local real estate market conditions, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information presented. Information may become outdated without notice.

Professional Consultation Required: Before making any mortgage, real estate, or financial decisions, you must consult with qualified professionals including but not limited to: licensed mortgage lenders, real estate agents, financial advisors, accountants, tax professionals, and attorneys. Only licensed professionals can provide advice specific to your situation.

Local Laws and Regulations: Santa Clara County, California, and State of California laws, regulations, tax codes, and mortgage lending requirements are complex and subject to change. This calculator does not account for all applicable local ordinances, HOA fees, special assessments, or other location-specific costs that may apply to Santa Clara properties.

Market Conditions: Real estate and mortgage markets are volatile and subject to rapid changes. Interest rates, home values, lending requirements, and market conditions can change daily. Historical data and current market information may not predict future conditions.

Limitation of Liability: Under no circumstances shall the creators, operators, or owners of this website be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from your use of this calculator or reliance on any information provided, including but not limited to financial losses, missed opportunities, or decisions based on estimates generated by this tool.

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By using this Santa Clara mortgage calculator, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and disclaimers. You agree to hold harmless the creators and operators of this website from any claims, damages, or losses arising from your use of this tool.

Last Updated: January 2025 | For Santa Clara County, California residents and property buyers only