California Taxes, Wages and Housing Costs Guide for 2026

Published 3 November 2026 by Kloora Tools

Quick answer: in California the minimum wage is 16.90 an hour, the average effective property tax is about 0.71 percent of home value, and state income tax is about 5 percent for a typical worker. This guide pulls the main numbers together and links to a free calculator for each one.

What is the minimum wage in California?

The California minimum wage is 16.90 per hour in 2026. Working 40 hours a week for a full year at that rate pays about 35,152 before tax, or 2,929 a month. Overtime above 40 hours a week is paid at least 1.5 times the regular rate, which is 25.35 per hour here. Use the California minimum wage calculator to enter your own hours.

How much tax comes out of a paycheck in California?

California has graduated state income tax rates. A typical effective rate for a middle income worker is about 5 percent. Social Security takes 6.2 percent up to the yearly wage cap, and Medicare takes 1.45 percent. On a 60,000 salary a single filer in California keeps about 47,390 a year after federal tax, FICA and an estimated state tax, which is about 3,949 a month. On 100,000 the figure is about 74,180. Try your own pay in the California paycheck calculator.

How much is sales tax in California?

The state base sales tax rate is 7.25 percent, and local governments can add more. On a 100 purchase that is about 7.25 of state tax. Rules for food, clothing and online purchases differ by state, so check the California department of revenue. The California sales tax calculator adds your local rate.

How much is property tax in California?

The average effective property tax rate in California is about 0.71 percent of home value a year. On a 350,000 home that is about 2,485 a year, or 207 a month. Property tax is close to the national average. Your real bill depends on your county, city and school district and on exemptions such as homestead or senior relief. Estimate yours with the California property tax calculator.

What does a mortgage cost in California?

Take a 350,000 home with 10 percent down and a 6.5 percent 30 year loan. Principal and interest is about 1,991 a month. Add California property tax of about 207, insurance of 150 and private mortgage insurance of about 131, and the total comes to roughly 2,479 a month. Run your own numbers in the California mortgage calculator.

How much house can you afford in California?

Lenders often use the 28/36 rule: housing costs under 28 percent of gross income and all debts under 36 percent. With a 100,000 income, 500 of monthly debts and 40,000 down at 6.5 percent, the 28/36 rule supports a home of roughly 352,436 in California. The California home affordability calculator lets you change income, debts and down payment.

A note on accuracy

These figures are planning estimates for 2026. Tax rates, wage rules and property tax rates change, and local rules can differ from state averages. Confirm with the California state agencies and the IRS before making financial decisions.

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