Santa Clara Mortgage Calculator
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.
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.
Result
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 |
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%
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
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% |
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
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
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
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- Planning to stay 7+ years
- Income $200,000+ and stable job
- Have 20%+ down payment saved
- Want to build equity and stability
- 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