Quick Answer
You can buy your first home in San Diego with as little as $15,000–$30,000 out of pocket — if you use the right DPA programs. The City of SD offers up to $125,000 + a $10,000 forgivable grant. VA-eligible buyers can get in with just closing costs.
The 3 numbers that matter:
- Up to $135,000 in DPA from SDHC City Low program ($125K loan + $10K forgivable grant)
- $1,104,000 conforming loan limit — lower than LA, but covers most SD homes
- Dream For All 2026 window: February 24 – March 16 (lottery-based, 3 weeks only)
Run your SD numbers with the California Mortgage Calculator →
Key Takeaways
- SD County median SFR: ~$1,000,000–$1,050,000, but condos start around $660K
- SDHC City Low program: Up to $125,000 + $10,000 forgivable closing cost grant
- Chula Vista DPA: Up to $120,000 (22% of purchase price)
- Conforming loan limit: $1,104,000 — $145K lower than LA/Bay Area
- VA loans are the SD superpower: $0 down, no MI, with Camp Pendleton, Naval Base SD, and Miramar nearby
- Mello-Roos warning: New construction in Otay Ranch, 4S Ranch can add $3,000–$8,000+/year
- City vs. County vs. Chula Vista: Three different jurisdictions, three different DPA programs
- Dream For All 2026: February 24 – March 16 application window
What's in This Guide
- San Diego’s Housing Market in 2026
- How Much Down Payment Do You Need?
- Down Payment Assistance Programs
- Loan Types: What Works Best in SD
- Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers
- Hidden Costs That Surprise SD Buyers
- Calculator Walkthrough
- Step-by-Step Buying Timeline
- 7 Mistakes SD Buyers Make
- Frequently Asked Questions
Buying your first home in San Diego feels like solving a puzzle with a million-dollar price tag.
The county median just crossed $1,000,000 for single-family homes. Condos sit around $660,000. And if you’re scrolling Zillow thinking “I’ll never afford this” — you’re not alone.
But here’s what most people miss:
San Diego has some of the most generous down payment assistance programs in Southern California. The City of San Diego alone offers up to $125,000 + a $10,000 forgivable grant for low-income buyers. The County offers up to 22% of the purchase price. And if you’re active-duty military or a veteran — which thousands of San Diegans are — VA loans let you buy with zero down payment and no mortgage insurance.
This guide walks you through exactly how to buy your first home in San Diego in 2026 — the real numbers, the programs you actually qualify for, which neighborhoods fit your budget, and how to use our California Mortgage Calculator to map out what you can actually afford.
By the Numbers
- 6+ DPA programs across City of SD, County, and Chula Vista
- $15,000–$45,000 realistic out-of-pocket range with DPA
- $1,104,000 conforming loan limit for SD County
- 37–43 days average time on market
- $660K–$1.05M median price range (condos to single-family)
San Diego’s Housing Market in 2026: What You’re Really Looking At
San Diego County’s housing market has shifted from the frenzied bidding wars of 2021–2023 into something more manageable — though still expensive by national standards.
| Metric | San Diego County |
|---|---|
| Median single-family home | ~$1,000,000–$1,050,000 |
| Median condo/townhome | ~$660,000 |
| Median days on market | 37–43 days |
| Months of supply | 2.2–3.0 |
| YoY price change | +2.3% to +3.2% |
| 30-yr fixed mortgage rate | ~6.1%–6.2% |
Sources: C.A.R., Redfin, Freddie Mac (late 2025 / early 2026)
Here’s what those numbers actually mean for you:
You have more time. Homes are sitting 37–43 days before going under contract, up from 19–24 days during the pandemic frenzy. That means fewer bidding wars and more room to negotiate.
Prices are still climbing, but slowly. Most forecasters project +2% to +4% appreciation in 2026. No crash on the horizon — San Diego’s chronic housing shortage, military employment base, and biotech/tech growth keep demand strong.
Condos are your entry point. At $660,000 median, condos and townhomes are roughly 35% cheaper than single-family homes. For a first-time buyer, that’s often the realistic path in.
Now, here’s the thing most guides miss:
San Diego County is dozens of micro-markets. The median price is a blunt instrument.
What Prices Actually Look Like by Area
| Sub-Region | Median SFR Range | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla / Del Mar / Carmel Valley | $1.4M–$3.5M+ | Coastal luxury — not first-timer territory |
| Point Loma / Ocean Beach | $1.2M–$1.6M | Peninsula charm, bay views |
| North Park / Hillcrest / Normal Heights | $650K–$950K | Urban walkable, condos more accessible |
| Clairemont / Kearny Mesa | $800K–$1.1M | Central, family-friendly, good schools |
| Chula Vista / National City | $600K–$800K | South Bay, growing infrastructure, DPA eligible |
| El Cajon / La Mesa / Santee | $600K–$850K | East County, more space for the money |
| Escondido / San Marcos | $700K–$900K | North County inland, family-oriented |
| Oceanside / Vista | $700K–$950K | North County coastal-adjacent |
| Carlsbad / Encinitas | $1.2M–$2.2M | Coastal North County, top schools |
| Fallbrook / Valley Center | $600K–$900K | Rural-suburban, larger lots |
Pro Tip: If you’re a first-time buyer looking for the most house for your money, South Bay (Chula Vista, National City), East County (El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee), and parts of North County inland (Escondido, San Marcos) are where most first-timers are landing.
How Much Down Payment Do You Actually Need?
Let’s kill the 20% myth right now.
On a $750,000 home (realistic for Chula Vista or East County), here’s what “down payment” actually means:
| Loan Type | Down Payment % | Down Payment $ | Monthly PMI/MIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional (3%) | 3% | $22,500 | ~$250–$350/mo (drops at 20%) |
| Conventional (5%) | 5% | $37,500 | ~$200–$300/mo (drops at 20%) |
| FHA (3.5%) | 3.5% | $26,250 | ~$345/mo (permanent if <10% down) |
| VA (0%) | 0% | $0 | $0 (funding fee: 1.25%–3.3%) |
| Conventional (20%) | 20% | $150,000 | $0 |
The real minimum to get started: $22,500 in down payment + $15,000–$22,500 in closing costs = roughly $37,500–$45,000 in total cash.
Or, if you’re a veteran: just closing costs. Which can sometimes be negotiated into the seller’s concessions.
But wait — San Diego’s DPA programs can cover most or all of that down payment.
Down Payment Assistance Programs: Every Option in San Diego County
This is where San Diego gets interesting. There are multiple programs, but each one covers a specific geography. Buying in the City of San Diego is different from buying in unincorporated County areas or in Chula Vista. You need to match the right program to where you’re buying.
Statewide Programs (Available Everywhere in SD County)
California Dream For All
Dream For All 2026 — Application Window
February 24 – March 16, 2026 (lottery-based, not first-come-first-served)
SD County income limit: ~$192,000. Get pre-approved with a CalHFA-approved lender NOW.
- Amount: Up to $150,000 (20% of purchase price, whichever is less)
- Type: Shared appreciation loan — 0% interest, no monthly payments
- Repayment: When you sell, you repay the loan plus a proportional share of your home’s appreciation
- Who qualifies: First-generation homebuyer, household income within CalHFA limits (~$192,000 for SD County)
CalHFA MyHome Assistance
- Amount: Up to 3.5% of purchase price (FHA) or 3% (conventional)
- Type: Deferred second mortgage, 0% interest, no monthly payments
- Repayment: When you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage
- Availability: Always open — no lottery, no waitlist
For the full CalHFA program breakdown, see our CalHFA Down Payment Assistance Guide.
City of San Diego Programs (SDHC)
These apply ONLY to properties within City of San Diego limits.
SDHC City Low-Income Program
- Amount: Up to $125,000 + $10,000 closing cost grant
- Type: Deferred-payment second trust deed loan at 3% simple interest. No payments for 30 years unless you sell, refinance, or move out
- Closing cost grant: $10,000 forgivable after 6 years of owner-occupancy — this is free money if you stay
- Who qualifies: Income ≤80% AMI, first-time buyer, minimum 1% buyer contribution
- Required: Homebuyer education course through an SDHC-approved provider
SDHC City Middle-Income Program
- Amount: $40,000 deferred loan + $10,000 closing cost grant
- Type: Deferred-payment loan. Converts to an amortized loan after year 5 — so you’ll start making payments on the DPA portion after 5 years
- Who qualifies: Income between 80%–150% AMI
- Funded by: Wells Fargo Foundation grant
Why This Matters
The SDHC Middle-Income Program is one of the few DPA programs serving moderate-income households who earn too much for most assistance. The $10,000 closing cost grant alone can cover half your closing costs on a $700K condo.
County of San Diego Programs
These cover unincorporated County areas plus participating cities: Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, and Vista.
County Low-Income Program
- Amount: Up to 22% of purchase price for down payment + 4% (up to $10,000) for closing costs
- Type: Deferred-payment loan at 3% simple interest, no payments for 30 years
- Who qualifies: Income ≤80% AMI, first-time buyer, minimum 3% buyer contribution
- Purchase price cap: $676,000 (subject to periodic adjustment)
Purchase Price Cap Alert
The County Low-Income program’s $676,000 cap limits this to condos, townhomes, or homes in the most affordable County areas. In a market where the median SFR is $1M+, verify your target property qualifies before counting on this program.
County Moderate-Income Program
- Amount: Up to 17% of purchase price for down payment
- Type: Deferred-payment loan at 3% simple interest
- Who qualifies: Income ≤120% AMI, first-time buyer, minimum 3% buyer contribution
City of Chula Vista Program
- Amount: Up to $120,000 (22% of purchase price)
- Type: Deferred-payment loan at 3% simple interest, no payments for 30 years
- Who qualifies: Income ≤80% AMI, first-time buyer, property must be in City of Chula Vista
- Purchase price cap: $570,000 (attached) / $826,500 (detached)
- Administered by: SDHC on behalf of Chula Vista
Which Program Fits Your Situation?
| Your Situation | Best Program(s) | Max Assistance | Key Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-generation buyer, any SD County | Dream For All + CalHFA MyHome | Up to $150,000 | Apply Feb 24–Mar 16 |
| Low income, buying in City of SD | SDHC City Low + MCC | $125,000 + $10K grant | Ongoing — check funding |
| Moderate income, City of SD | SDHC City Middle + MCC | $40,000 + $10K grant | Ongoing |
| Buying in La Mesa, Santee, Poway, etc. | County Low or Moderate | Up to 22% + 4% | Ongoing |
| Buying in Chula Vista | Chula Vista program | Up to $120,000 | Ongoing |
| Veteran or active-duty | VA loan (0% down) | No DPA needed | Always available |
| Any income, ongoing tax benefit | MCC (stackable) | 15–20% tax credit/yr | Through CalHFA |
Geography Matters — A Lot
- The City of San Diego and unincorporated San Diego County are different jurisdictions
- If you’re buying in La Mesa, Santee, or Poway, you’re using the County program — not the City program
- If you’re buying in Chula Vista, there’s a separate Chula Vista-specific program
- Always verify which jurisdiction your target property falls in before counting on a specific program
Pro Tip: Some programs can be stacked. Dream For All + CalHFA MyHome is a common combination. Ask your lender about layering options — it varies by program compatibility.
For a comprehensive look at all California programs, see our California First-Time Homebuyer Programs guide.
Loan Types: What Works Best in San Diego
San Diego’s conforming loan limit for 2026 is $1,104,000 for a single-family home.
Key Difference from LA
San Diego’s conforming limit ($1,104,000) is $145,000 lower than LA County and Bay Area counties ($1,249,125). If you’re looking at homes above $1.1M, you’re in jumbo territory with stricter requirements.
Conventional Loans
- Down payment: 3% (up to $832,750 loan) or 5% (up to $1,104,000 high-balance)
- PMI: Required below 20% equity — typically $200–$500/mo. Drops automatically at 20% equity
- Best for: Buyers with 680+ credit who want PMI to eventually go away
FHA Loans
- Down payment: 3.5% with 580+ credit
- MIP: ~0.55% annually. On a $750K loan: ~$344/mo. Permanent if you put less than 10% down
- FHA limit: $1,104,000 in San Diego County
- Best for: Buyers with lower credit scores (580–679) or high DTI ratios
FHA Warning at SD Prices
FHA’s permanent MIP is expensive at San Diego prices. On a $900K home with 3.5% down, you’re paying ~$397/mo in MIP that never goes away unless you refinance into a conventional loan.
VA Loans: The San Diego Superpower
With Camp Pendleton, Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar, and Naval Base Coronado, San Diego has one of the largest military populations in the US. VA loans are extremely common here.
- Down payment: $0
- Mortgage insurance: None
- Funding fee: 1.25% (first use) to 3.3% — can be rolled into the loan
- Loan limit: No limit for full-entitlement veterans
VA vs. FHA on a $900,000 Home
- VA buyer: $0 down, $0 monthly MI, funding fee ($11,250) rolled in. Monthly P&I: ~$5,467
- FHA buyer: $31,500 down, ~$397/mo permanent MIP. Monthly P&I + MIP: ~$5,661
- VA saves: ~$400/month + $31,500 less out of pocket
If you qualify, use our VA Mortgage Calculator to see what your payment would look like with zero down.
When You Need a Jumbo Loan
Loans above $1,104,000 enter jumbo territory. Jumbo loans typically require 10–20% down, 700+ credit score, larger cash reserves, and slightly higher interest rates (0.25–0.5% above conforming).
If you’re looking at homes above $1.1M, consider whether increasing your down payment to stay under the conforming limit makes more financial sense than going jumbo.
Neighborhoods Where First-Time Buyers Are Actually Buying
Let’s get specific.
Tier 1: Under $700K (DPA Programs Work Best Here)
- Chula Vista (Eastern): $550K–$750K. Newer master-planned communities (Otay Ranch, Eastlake), townhomes, some SFR. Chula Vista DPA ($120K) + Dream For All both apply. Watch out for Mello-Roos.
- National City: $500K–$700K. Smaller SFRs, some condos. Close to Naval Base SD. Improving infrastructure.
- El Cajon: $550K–$750K. Older SFRs, larger lots than City of SD. County program eligible.
- Spring Valley / Lemon Grove: $550K–$700K. SFRs, some with views. Lemon Grove is a County participating city.
Tier 2: $700K–$1M (Sweet Spot for Most First-Timers)
- Clairemont / Linda Vista: $750K–$1M. Mid-century homes, central location. City of SD programs apply.
- North Park / Normal Heights: $650K–$950K. Craftsman bungalows, condos, walkable. City of SD programs. Condos $600K–$750K are the entry point.
- San Carlos / Del Cerro: $800K–$1.1M. Family neighborhoods, good schools.
- La Mesa: $650K–$850K. Historic village charm, trolley access. County participating city.
- Escondido: $650K–$900K. North County inland, larger properties. Dream For All and CalHFA MyHome always work.
- Santee: $700K–$900K. Family-oriented, newer developments. County participating city.
Tier 3: $1M–$1.1M (Conforming Limit Territory)
- Tierrasanta / Allied Gardens: $850K–$1.1M. Hillside homes, canyon views. City of SD programs for eligible prices.
- Oceanside: $700K–$950K. Coastal North County, near Camp Pendleton. Very popular with military families using VA loans.
- San Marcos: $750K–$1M. Near CSU San Marcos. County participating city.
Not sure if you should rent or buy in your target neighborhood? Use our Rent vs. Buy Calculator to compare.
The Hidden Costs That Surprise San Diego Buyers
Property Taxes
San Diego County’s effective property tax rate is approximately 1.1%–1.25% of your purchase price (Prop 13 base rate of 1% plus local bonds and assessments).
On a $800,000 home: ~$8,800–$10,000/year ($733–$833/month)
But here’s the catch that surprises first-timers:
Mello-Roos (Community Facilities Districts)
Mello-Roos Warning
If you’re buying in a newer master-planned community — Otay Ranch, Eastlake, 4S Ranch, Pacific Highlands Ranch, newer parts of San Marcos — you’ll likely pay Mello-Roos taxes on top of regular property taxes.
Mello-Roos can add $3,000–$8,000+ per year to your tax bill. On some Otay Ranch homes, total property taxes (base + Mello-Roos) exceed 1.8%–2.0% of the purchase price.
Always ask for the FULL tax bill — not just the base assessment — before making an offer on any home built after ~2000 in a planned community.
For a deeper dive, see our California Property Tax Guide.
Transfer Tax
San Diego County uses the standard California transfer tax rate: $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price. On a $800,000 home, that’s $880 — split between buyer and seller per local custom.
Heads Up: San Diego County supervisors are exploring a proposal to dramatically increase transfer taxes. This would require state legislative approval and a November 2026 ballot measure. As of early 2026, it’s in the lobbying phase — not yet law. Monitor this if you’re buying later in 2026.
Closing Costs
Budget 2%–3% of the purchase price for closing costs:
| Home Price | Estimated Closing Costs |
|---|---|
| $600K | $12,000–$18,000 |
| $800K | $16,000–$24,000 |
| $1M | $20,000–$30,000 |
Remember: The SDHC City programs include a $10,000 closing cost grant that’s forgivable after 6 years. That significantly reduces your out-of-pocket closing costs.
For full details, see our California Closing Costs Guide.
Homeowners Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance in San Diego County: $1,200–$2,500/year for most areas.
Fire Zone Warning
- Parts of East County (Alpine, Ramona, Julian), North County inland (Fallbrook, Valley Center), and hillside areas may face higher insurance costs or difficulty finding coverage
- The California FAIR Plan is available as a last resort but costs significantly more
- Always get insurance quotes before making an offer — especially in hillside or rural-adjacent areas
How to Use the Calculator for Your San Diego Home Search
Our California Mortgage Calculator shows you exactly what you’ll pay monthly. Here’s a real San Diego scenario:
Sample Scenario: $750K Townhome in Chula Vista with DPA
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Home price | $750,000 |
| Down payment | $142,500 (19%) — $120K Chula Vista DPA + $22.5K own funds (3%) |
| Loan amount | $607,500 |
| Rate | 6.10% |
| Property tax | 1.25% (including est. Mello-Roos) |
| Insurance | $150/month |
| PMI | ~$150/month (at 19%, drops soon at 20%) |
Monthly Payment Comparison
- With DPA (19% down): ~$4,766/month (P&I $3,685 + Tax $781 + Insurance $150 + PMI $150)
- Without DPA (5% down): ~$5,553/month
- DPA saves you: ~$787/month — or $9,444/year
Try adjusting these variables:
- What if you found a home for $650K instead of $750K?
- What if rates drop to 5.75% by mid-2026?
- What if you add $200/month in extra payments? Use our Mortgage Payoff Calculator to see the impact.
Step-by-Step: Your SD Homebuying Timeline
6–12 Months Before Buying
- Check your credit score (aim for 680+ for best conventional rates; 580+ for FHA; no minimum for VA)
- Start saving — even with DPA, you need 1–3% from your own funds plus reserves
- Get pre-approved with a lender who knows SD DPA programs (ask: “Do you participate in SDHC programs?”)
- Complete homebuyer education (required for most DPA programs — do this early)
3–6 Months Before
- Research neighborhoods — visit on weekdays AND weekends
- Apply for Dream For All during the Feb 24–Mar 16, 2026 window if eligible
- Connect with a real estate agent who specializes in first-time buyers and DPA-assisted purchases
- Use the Rent vs. Buy Calculator to confirm buying makes sense
1–3 Months Before
- Get your pre-approval letter finalized with your specific DPA program included
- Start making offers — your agent will help with strategy
- Always get homeowners insurance quotes and check Mello-Roos before finalizing an offer
Under Contract (30–45 Days)
- Home inspection (never skip this — SD has older housing stock in many areas)
- Appraisal ordered by lender
- Final loan approval and DPA processing
- Closing — sign documents, get keys
7 Mistakes San Diego First-Time Buyers Make
1. Not Knowing Which DPA Programs Apply to Their Area
SDHC City programs only work within City of San Diego limits. County programs serve specific participating cities. Chula Vista has its own program. Match the program to the geography.
2. Ignoring Mello-Roos
That beautiful new townhome in Otay Ranch might have $5,000+/year in Mello-Roos taxes on top of regular property taxes. Always ask for the FULL tax bill — not just the base assessment.
3. Forgetting About the County Program’s Purchase Price Cap
The County low-income program caps at $676,000. In a market where the median is $1M+, this limits your options to condos and the most affordable areas.
4. Choosing FHA When VA Is Available
If you’re eligible for a VA loan, it almost always beats FHA. Zero down, no mortgage insurance, and no loan limit. At San Diego prices, the MIP savings alone are worth $300–$400/month.
5. Not Accounting for SD’s Lower Conforming Limit
At $1,104,000, San Diego’s conforming limit is $145,000 LESS than LA and Bay Area counties. If you’re looking at homes above $1.1M, you’re in jumbo territory with stricter requirements.
6. Skipping the Inspection
San Diego has homes from every era — older homes in North Park, Hillcrest, and central neighborhoods can have foundation, plumbing, and electrical issues. Never skip the inspection.
7. Underestimating Total Monthly Costs
Your mortgage payment is not your total housing cost. Add property taxes, insurance, HOA (if applicable), Mello-Roos, and maintenance. Budget 1%–2% of the home value per year for maintenance and repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to buy a house in San Diego in 2026?
At minimum, you need 1–3% of the purchase price from your own funds (even with DPA), plus closing costs of 2–3%. For a $750,000 home with DPA assistance, budget roughly $15,000–$30,000 in total out-of-pocket costs. VA-eligible buyers may need even less.
What’s the income limit for San Diego DPA programs?
It depends on the program. SDHC City Low: ≤80% AMI. SDHC City Middle: 80–150% AMI. County Low: ≤80% AMI. County Moderate: ≤120% AMI. Dream For All: ~$192,000 for San Diego County. AMI limits adjust annually — check sdhc.org for current numbers.
Can I use multiple DPA programs together?
In some cases, yes. Dream For All + CalHFA MyHome is a common stack. However, SDHC programs cannot be combined with SDHC’s Affordable For-Sale Housing Program. Always ask your lender which combinations are allowed.
What’s the difference between City of San Diego and County of San Diego programs?
City programs (administered by SDHC) apply only to properties within incorporated City of San Diego limits. County programs cover unincorporated areas plus specific participating cities like La Mesa, Santee, Poway, San Marcos, and others. Different programs, different geography, different rules.
Do I have to repay the DPA if I sell my home?
Yes, for most programs. The loan balance plus accrued interest (typically 3% simple interest) is due when you sell, refinance, or move out. Dream For All also requires repayment of a proportional share of your home’s appreciation. The $10,000 closing cost grant from SDHC City programs is the exception — it’s forgivable after 6 years.
Is San Diego a good place to buy in 2026?
San Diego’s chronic housing shortage, diversified economy (military, biotech, tech, healthcare, tourism), and climate advantages support long-term price stability. Forecasts project 2–4% appreciation in 2026. Conditions are more balanced than the pandemic frenzy — more inventory, longer days on market, and room to negotiate.
What credit score do I need to buy in San Diego?
Conventional: 620 minimum, but 680+ for best rates. FHA: 580 minimum with 3.5% down. VA: no official minimum, but most lenders want 620+. SDHC programs may have their own credit requirements — check with a participating lender.
What are Mello-Roos taxes?
Mello-Roos (officially “Community Facilities District” taxes) are special assessments that fund infrastructure in newer developments. They’re common in Otay Ranch, Eastlake, 4S Ranch, Pacific Highlands Ranch, and other master-planned communities. They can add $3,000–$8,000+ per year to your property tax bill and typically last 25–40 years.
Should I buy a condo or single-family home in San Diego?
At $660K median vs. $1M+ for single-family, condos are the most accessible entry point for first-time buyers. They also have lower maintenance responsibilities. The tradeoff: HOA fees ($300–$600/month) and potential special assessments. For DPA-assisted purchases, condos in the $500K–$700K range fit more programs’ price limits.
How do VA loans work at San Diego prices?
VA loans have no loan limit for full-entitlement veterans, no down payment, and no mortgage insurance. At San Diego prices, this is enormous — on a $900K home, you save ~$400/month vs. FHA and bring $0 to the closing table (except closing costs, which can be seller-paid). The VA funding fee (1.25%–3.3%) gets rolled into the loan. San Diego lenders have deep VA loan experience due to the large military presence.
Your Next Steps
Ready to see what you can afford?
- Run your numbers. Plug in your target home price, down payment (with or without DPA), and see your real monthly payment.
- Compare rent vs. buy. Run a side-by-side comparison for your target SD neighborhood.
- Check your credit score today — pull your free report at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Determine which DPA programs match your income and target area.
- Get pre-approved with a lender who participates in SDHC programs.
- Register for Dream For All between Feb 24–Mar 16, 2026 if eligible.
Related Calculators
Helpful Resources
- California First-Time Homebuyer Programs — 100+ assistance programs with income limits and stacking strategies
- CalHFA Down Payment Assistance Guide — Complete breakdown of CalHFA programs, eligibility, and how to apply
- California Property Tax Guide — Everything about Prop 13, Mello-Roos, and effective tax rates
- California Closing Costs Guide — What to budget for beyond your monthly payment
- True Cost of Buying a Home in 58 CA Counties — County-by-county cost breakdown
- LA First-Time Homebuyer Guide — Considering LA vs. SD? Compare programs and costs
- Today’s Mortgage Rates — Daily rate updates from Federal Reserve data
- How Amortization Works — Understanding how your monthly payment is applied
- 27 Housing Hacks — Creative strategies to make homeownership more affordable
About Jon Teera
Jon Teera is the Lead Developer and Founder of CalcLogix. He builds tools that help homebuyers navigate California’s complex housing market — because understanding the true cost of homeownership shouldn’t require a finance degree.
Read more about how we verify data →Data current as of February 2026. Sources: C.A.R., Redfin, Zillow, San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), San Diego County Department of Housing, CalHFA, FHFA.
Last updated: February 2026 | Next update planned: August 2026