Down payment and monthly payment by neighborhood
Based on the median sold price over the last 90 days (October 2026). The monthly figure is principal and interest at 20% down at this week's 7.32% average 30-year rate[3], plus property tax at the 1% base rate[4]. It does not include voter-approved bonds, Mello-Roos, insurance, HOA dues or mortgage insurance, so your real payment will be higher.
| Neighborhood | Median price | 3.5% down | 10% down | 20% down | Monthly (20% down) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santee | $737K | $25,800 | $73,700 | $147,400 | $4,700 |
| Chula Vista (west) | $769K | $26,900 | $76,900 | $153,800 | $4,900 |
| Spring Valley | $785K | $27,500 | $78,500 | $157,000 | $5,000 |
| North Park | $832K | $29,100 | $83,200 | $166,500 | $5,300 |
| La Mesa | $852K | $29,800 | $85,200 | $170,500 | $5,400 |
| Oceanside | $884K | $31,000 | $88,400 | $176,900 | $5,600 |
| Mission Hills & Hillcrest | $885K | $31,000 | $88,500 | $177,000 | $5,600 |
| Eastlake & Otay Ranch | $900K | $31,500 | $90,000 | $180,000 | $5,700 |
| Escondido | $950K | $33,200 | $95,000 | $190,000 | $6,000 |
| Clairemont & Serra Mesa | $950K | $33,300 | $95,000 | $190,100 | $6,000 |
| Mira Mesa | $970K | $34,000 | $97,000 | $194,000 | $6,100 |
| San Carlos | $991K | $34,700 | $99,100 | $198,200 | $6,300 |
| Point Loma & Ocean Beach | $1.65M | $57,800 | $165,000 | $330,000 | $10,400 |
Which loan, and how little you can put down
- FHA: 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score from 500 to 579.[5][6]
- VA: no down payment as long as the price isn't higher than the appraised value.[2]
- Conventional: San Diego County's 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,104,000 for a single-family home.[7] Fannie Mae's 3%-down HomeReady loan is for buyers earning no more than 80% of the area median income, and it doesn't allow high-balance loans, which means loan amounts above $832,800.[8] At San Diego prices, that rules it out for a lot of houses.
- Above $1,104,000: that's a jumbo loan, and lenders set their own down payment rules. Ask two or three lenders.
Closing costs
On top of the down payment you pay closing costs: lender fees, appraisal, title insurance, escrow, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Your lender's Loan Estimate lists every one of them, so get one from each lender you talk to and compare them line by line.[9]
Condos and townhomes cost less
Condos and townhomes sold for a median of $611K in Clairemont & Serra Mesa, $465K in San Carlos, $577K in Santee, $680K in Mission Hills & Hillcrest, $645K in Mira Mesa, $523K in North Park, $920K in Point Loma & Ocean Beach, $515K in La Mesa, $560K in Chula Vista (west), $657K in Eastlake & Otay Ranch, $725K in Oceanside, $547K in Escondido.[1] That's often the way into a neighborhood whose houses are out of reach. Budget for the HOA dues, which count against what a lender will let you borrow.
Related questions
How much is the down payment on a $1 million house in San Diego?
3.5% down is $35,000, 10% is $100,000 and 20% is $200,000. With 20% down, the $800,000 loan is under San Diego County's 2026 conforming limit of $1,104,000, so it isn't a jumbo loan.
Can I buy a house in San Diego with no money down?
Yes, if you're eligible for a VA loan. VA allows no down payment as long as the price isn't higher than the appraised value. You still pay closing costs, though some can be negotiated with the seller.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan?
580 or higher qualifies for the 3.5% minimum down payment. From 500 to 579 you need 10% down. Below 500 isn't eligible. Lenders can set stricter rules.
What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in San Diego County?
$1,104,000 for a single-family home, set by FHFA. Loans above that are jumbo loans.
How much are property taxes in San Diego?
The base rate is 1% of your assessed value, plus voter-approved bonds that vary by area. Some neighborhoods also have Mello-Roos fees. Check the listing's tax bill to see the exact rate for that home.
What's the monthly payment on a San Diego house?
At Mission Hills & Hillcrest's $885K median with 20% down, principal, interest and base property tax come to about $5,600 a month at 7.32%. Insurance, bonds and any HOA come on top.
Related answers, guides and reports
Still have a question?
Text me at (559) 977-2596. I answer every one myself, no pressure and no sales pitch.
Sources
- Redfin closed sales and active listings, last 90 days
- VA: purchase loan
- Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey
- San Diego County Auditor: property tax FAQ
- HUD: FHA minimum down payment
- HUD Mortgagee Letter 2026-11 (credit score tiers)
- FHFA 2026 conforming loan limits (San Diego County)
- Fannie Mae HomeReady eligibility
- CFPB: Loan Estimate explainer
Payment math is an estimate, not a loan offer. Talk to a lender for your actual numbers. Josiah Garcia | Real Broker | DRE #02128093.