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Quick answer

The median home in San Diego costs $820K. With 20% down ($164K) at 7% for 30 years, the monthly payment is $4,364/month. Total interest paid over 30 years: $915,178.

Calculator · CA · 2026

Mortgage Calculator for San Diego, CA (2026)

Pre-filled with San Diego's median home price of $820K. Compare payments across down payment sizes and loan terms at the current 7.0% baseline rate.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

San Diego Mortgage Payment Scenarios

Median home price: $820K · Interest rate: 7% · Excludes property taxes and insurance.

Down PaymentDown ($)Loan Amount30-yr/mo15-yr/moTotal Interest (30yr)
5%$41,000$779,000$5,183$7,002$1,086,774
10%$82,000$738,000$4,910$6,633$1,029,576
20%$164,000$656,000$4,364$5,896$915,178

PMI required for <20% down — add ~$100–300/month to payments above.

Rent vs Buy in San Diego

Monthly cost comparison based on median prices — 20% down, 30-year mortgage at 7%.

Buying (median home)

Mortgage (P&I)$4,364/mo
Taxes & Insurance (est.)$820/mo
Total monthly cost$5,184/mo

+ builds equity in $820K asset

Renting (2-bedroom)

Median 2BR rent$3,000/mo
Utilities (est.)$130/mo
Total monthly cost$3,130/mo

Flexibility to move; no equity built

Bottom line for San Diego: Buying costs $2,184/month more than renting upfront. The break-even on building equity vs renting typically takes 5–8 years in most markets.

Amortization Over Time

$820K home · 20% down ($656K loan) · 7% · 30 years

Year 1

Interest paid$45,709
Principal paid$6,664
Remaining balance$649,336

Year 15

Interest paid$34,668
Principal paid$17,705
Remaining balance$485,564

Year 30 (Final)

Interest paid$1,933
Principal paid$50,440
Remaining balance$0

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly mortgage payment for a home in San Diego?

The median home price in San Diego is $820K. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7%, the monthly payment is $4,364. Adding estimated property taxes and insurance brings total monthly costs to approximately $5,184.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in San Diego?

A 2-bedroom rental in San Diego averages $3,000/month. Buying the median $820K home with 20% down costs approximately $5,184/month (mortgage + taxes + insurance) — $2,184 more than renting. However, buying builds equity while renting does not.

How much do I need to earn to buy a home in San Diego?

Using the 28% housing rule, you need at least $187K–222K in annual gross income to comfortably afford the median $820K home in San Diego with 20% down. You also need $164K+ saved for the down payment plus 2–5% in closing costs.

What are property taxes like in San Diego?

CA has a state income tax rate of Up to 13.3%. Property taxes vary by county but on a $820K home, expect $683–$1,367/month in property taxes (1–2% annual rate). This is in addition to your mortgage payment.