California Divorce Housing Calculator
Should you keep or sell the house in California? This calculator uses California-specific property taxes, insurance costs, and housing data to help you decide.
Housing costs in California
As of our last data update, the median home value in California is approximately $740,000. Property taxes run 0.71% of home value ($5,254/year on the median home). Homeowners insurance averages $1,348/year.
For the median-priced home in California, estimated costs could be approximately $1,167/month in property tax, insurance, and maintenance alone — before the mortgage payment.
Renting vs. buying in California
California's price-to-rent ratio suggests that annual rent runs roughly 4.0% of home value. For the median home, that's about $2,467/month in rent — which may be less than the total cost of ownership.
Selling costs in California
Closing costs in California average 1.0% of the sale price. On the median home, that's $7,400 in closing costs. Combined with agent commissions (typically 5-6%), selling can cost $48,100 or more.
Related resources
Keeping Your Home After Divorce in California
California has some of the higher home values in the country, with a statewide median around $740,000. In a divorce, this means there may be significant equity to divide — but it also means that keeping the home on a single income requires a higher earnings threshold. The gap between a two-income mortgage payment and what one spouse can comfortably afford is often the deciding factor in California's housing markets.
California is a community property state, meaning marital assets — including the family home — are generally divided 50/50. If one spouse wants to keep the house, they typically need to buy out the other spouse's half of the equity, either with cash, by trading other assets, or by refinancing. Beyond the mortgage, homeownership in California carries ongoing costs: property taxes average 0.71% of home value, and homeowners insurance runs approximately $1,348 per year (below the national average). Add maintenance — typically 1-2% of home value annually — and a $740,000 home in California costs roughly $1,167/month before the mortgage payment.
For California residents considering whether to keep the family home after divorce, the key question is whether total housing costs — mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance — stay within 28-36% of gross income. A mortgage payment that was comfortable on two incomes can quickly become a strain on one. The calculator above lets you enter your specific numbers to see the true monthly cost and compare keeping the home against selling and renting. Even if you can technically afford the payment, tying up most of your equity in the house may limit your ability to save, invest, or cover unexpected expenses — so it's worth modeling both scenarios before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
Can I afford to keep the house after divorce in California?
In California, the median home value is $740,000 with a 0.71% property tax rate. Use the calculator above to enter your specific home value, mortgage balance, and income to see whether keeping the house is affordable on one income.
What are the real costs of keeping a home in California?
Beyond the mortgage, homeownership in California includes property tax (0.71% average rate), homeowner's insurance ($1,348/year average), and maintenance (typically 1-2% of home value per year). Our calculator adds all of these up so you can see the true monthly cost.
Should I sell the house or keep it in my California divorce?
The answer depends on your income, mortgage balance, and whether the total housing cost (mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance) stays under 28-36% of your gross income. In California, comparable rent averages can help you compare the cost of keeping vs. renting. Try both scenarios in the calculator above.
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