Affordability with a conventional loan in California is usually capped less by the interest rate and more by the debt-to-income ratio lenders apply — typically a ceiling in the mid-40s percent of gross monthly income once the new mortgage payment is added to existing debts.

A practical way to estimate your ceiling

Start with your gross monthly income, subtract existing recurring debt payments (auto loans, minimum credit card payments, student loans), and see what's left under your lender's DTI ceiling. That remainder, roughly, is the room available for principal, interest, property tax, insurance, and any HOA dues combined — not just the loan payment alone.

Why California buyers often feel the squeeze

• Property tax is assessed near 1% of purchase price under Proposition 13, but on a high purchase price that's still a meaningful monthly line item.
• HOA dues on condos and many planned communities add a fixed monthly cost that counts toward DTI just like a mortgage payment.

Use the calculator above to plug in your own numbers — this article is general information, not a personalized affordability assessment.