California USDA Mortgage Calculator
serving rural communities
CMF’s California USDA mortgage calculator helps eligible homebuyers and homeowners estimate monthly payments for USDA Rural Development loans, whether for home purchases or refinances.
Use the toggle above to switch between Purchase and Refinance scenarios and see how USDA loan features—such as no required down payment and reduced mortgage insurance costs—affect your total monthly housing payment.
This calculator, developed by Loan Officer Kevin O’Connor, is designed for homeowners looking to refinance and buyers in eligible areas considering a USDA loan who want to understand affordability and payment scenarios before applying.
Questions? Ask KevinCalifornia Mortgage Finder
Loan details
Monthly payment breakdown
The USDA annual fee is an estimate shown monthly. In real life, it’s recalculated as the principal balance declines.
Estimated USDA mortgage results
Estimate only. Actual payment may vary based on escrow rules, prepaid interest, closing costs, lender/third-party fees, and program rules.
USDA loan highlights
- Zero down options: USDA loans can allow 100% financing for eligible buyers.
- Fee transparency: estimate both the upfront guarantee fee and the ongoing annual fee.
- More realistic budgeting: includes taxes, insurance, HOA, and estimated annual fee.
- Scenario planning: compare financing the upfront fee vs. paying it upfront.
Quick note
USDA eligibility depends on property location, household income, and other program rules. Fees and guidelines can change.
California Mortgage Finder’s calculators are for illustrative and informational purposes. They are not tax, investment, or financial advice. They do not provide quotes, and they are not a lending guarantee. Please consult with a licensed and qualified professional before making any decisions. If you want to explore the rates and costs of buying a home, please contact us directly to discuss.
How This Calculator Works
Key inputs used in the California USDA mortgage Calculator
This USDA mortgage calculator estimates monthly payments using standard USDA loan guidelines and the following inputs:
- Scenario Toggle – Choose between Purchase or Refinance
- Home Price / Home Value – Purchase price or current property value
- Down Payment (Purchase) – USDA loans typically allow $0 down
- Current Loan Balance (Refinance) – Remaining mortgage balance
- Base Loan Amount – Home price minus any down payment
- Upfront USDA Guarantee Fee – USDA-required upfront fee, typically financed into the loan
- Total Loan Amount – Base loan plus financed guarantee fee
- Interest Rate – Estimated USDA mortgage rate
- Loan Term – Commonly a 30-year fixed
- Annual USDA Fee – Ongoing USDA annual fee (monthly equivalent)
- Property Taxes – Estimated annual property taxes
- Homeowners Insurance – Estimated annual insurance cost
- HOA Fees (if applicable) – Monthly association dues
Results update automatically as inputs change, allowing you to compare USDA purchase and refinance scenarios in real time.
Understanding Your Results
What the California USDA calculator results mean
After entering your information, the calculator provides estimates for:
- Principal & Interest – Monthly loan payment
- USDA Annual Fee – Monthly mortgage insurance–style fee
- Property Taxes – Monthly escrow estimate
- Homeowners Insurance – Monthly escrow estimate
- HOA Fees – Monthly dues
- Total Monthly Payment – Estimated all-in housing cost
USDA loans typically have lower monthly insurance costs compared to FHA loans and do not require a down payment.
When Should You Use a USDA Mortgage Calculator?
When this calculator is useful
This USDA mortgage calculator is especially helpful if you are:
- Buying a home with no down payment
- Considering USDA eligibility based on location and income
- Refinancing an existing USDA loan
- Estimating monthly payments with reduced mortgage insurance
- Planning a home purchase in a qualifying area
USDA Purchase and Refinance Scenarios
Example of a California USDA purchase loan
Home price: $550,000
Down payment: $0
Upfront USDA guarantee fee: Financed
Term: 30-year
Interest rate: 5.00%
Using these inputs, the calculator estimates a monthly payment of approximately $2,982, principal and interest. The calculator allows users to roll the USDA annual fee and estimated escrow items into the payment. Adjusting the home price or interest rate shows how affordability changes.
Example of a California USDA refinance loan
Home Value: $550,000
Loan Amount: $400,000
Upfront USDA guarantee fee: Financed
Term: 30-year
Interest rate: 5.00%
Using these inputs, the calculator estimates a monthly payment of approximately $2,169, principal and interest. The calculator allows users to roll the USDA annual fee and estimated escrow items into the payment. Adjusting the loan amount or interest rate shows how affordability changes.
Important Assumptions
What this calculator does not include
The California USDA mortgage calculator provides estimates based on common USDA and California assumptions. It does not account for:
- USDA income limits or household size requirements
- Property location eligibility verification
- Credit score or debt-to-income requirements
- Closing costs or prepaid expenses
- Seller concessions or lender credits
Actual USDA loan eligibility and costs depend on the lender’s underwriting and USDA guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
USDA mortgage calculator FAQs
Does this calculator assume the USDA upfront guarantee fee is financed?
Yes. By default, the calculator assumes the upfront USDA guarantee fee is financed into the loan, which is the most common USDA setup.
Why does USDA mortgage insurance look lower than FHA mortgage insurance?
USDA loans typically have lower annual insurance fees than FHA loans. This calculator shows that difference directly in the monthly payment results.
Can this calculator be used for USDA refinances?
Yes. The calculator supports refinance scenarios, including standard USDA refinances, though it does not enforce specific streamline or eligibility rules.
Does this calculator confirm whether a property is USDA-eligible?
No. USDA eligibility depends on property location and household income. This calculator assumes eligibility and focuses on payment estimation only.
Why might someone choose USDA instead of FHA?
Some borrowers prefer USDA loans due to no down payment requirements and lower monthly insurance costs. This calculator helps compare payments but does not recommend a program.
Are USDA annual fees removed after reaching equity?
No. USDA annual fees typically remain for the life of the loan unless the loan is refinanced into a different program.
Are closing costs included in the results?
No. Closing costs and prepaid items vary by lender and location and are not included. The calculator focuses on monthly payment structure.
How should this calculator be used with other tools?
This calculator works best as a program-specific estimator. For comparisons, use the FHA vs USDA or Purchase Mortgage Calculator once eligibility is confirmed.
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