Mortgage Refinance Rates in California (2026)
With California's median value near $765,000, a homeowner refinancing a typical $520,000 balance from about 7.50% to 6.25% saves roughly $434/month — breaking even on ~$13,000 of costs near month 30.
Whether you want a smaller payment or cash from your California equity, the break-even is what decides if it is worth it. 12 California counties are high-cost, raising the conforming ceiling there.
Refinance snapshot by California county
| County | Est. Value | 2026 Conforming Limit | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $915,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| San Diego County | $910,000 | $1,077,550 | High-cost |
| Orange County | $1,150,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| Riverside County | $595,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| San Bernardino County | $500,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Santa Clara County | $1,500,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| Alameda County | $1,180,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| Sacramento County | $560,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Fresno County | $400,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Kern County | $360,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Ventura County | $820,000 | $1,017,750 | High-cost |
| San Joaquin County | $540,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| San Mateo County | $1,500,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| Stanislaus County | $460,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Sonoma County | $720,000 | $1,017,300 | High-cost |
| Tulare County | $360,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Solano County | $560,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Santa Barbara County | $920,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| Monterey County | $760,000 | $1,017,750 | High-cost |
| Placer County | $600,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Santa Cruz County | $1,100,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| Marin County | $1,500,000 | $1,249,125 | High-cost |
| Contra Costa County | $765,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| San Francisco County | $765,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| San Luis Obispo County | $765,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Merced County | $765,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Butte County | $765,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Yolo County | $765,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| Imperial County | $765,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
| El Dorado County | $680,000 | $806,500 | Baseline |
Should you refinance in California?
It comes down to your break-even. Take your closing costs (often 2-5% of the balance) and divide by your monthly savings — if you will stay in the home past that month count, refinancing usually wins. Cash-out makes sense when the rate and use of funds beat your other borrowing options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much can refinancing save in California?
- On a $520,000 balance near the California median, dropping from ~7.50% to 6.25% saves about $434/month. Your figure depends on your current rate and balance.
- What is the conforming loan limit in California for 2026?
- Most California counties use the $806,500 baseline; high-cost counties go up to $1,209,750. Above that, refinances are jumbo loans.