California vs Connecticut
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Connecticut
Overview
Both California and Connecticut levy property taxes that fund local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure. The two states differ markedly in tax rates, home values, and the resulting annual tax bills. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), California’s effective property‑tax rate is less than half of Connecticut’s, while its median home price is roughly double the Connecticut median. The data below summarizes the key metrics for each state.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | California | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 1.92 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $343,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $6,575 |
| Annual tax on a $250k home | $1,771 | $4,789 |
| Annual tax on a $500k home | $3,542 | $9,579 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $93,760 |
| Data source | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ACS 5‑year estimates |
| More detail | California property tax | Connecticut property tax |
Which state has the lower property‑tax burden?
Winner (lower tax rate): California
- Tax‑rate difference: 1.21 percentage points, which is a 63 % lower rate in California than in Connecticut.
- Annual tax on a $250,000 home: California $1,771 vs. Connecticut $4,789 → $3,018 less in California.
- Annual tax on a $500,000 home: California $3,542 vs. Connecticut $9,579 → $6,037 less in California.
Because the effective property‑tax rate directly determines the amount of tax owed relative to a property's assessed value, California’s lower rate translates into lower annual tax bills for comparable home values.
Who is likely to benefit from this comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | The lower effective tax rate in California means a smaller proportion of a home’s value is paid each year, which can affect budgeting and long‑term affordability, especially for higher‑priced properties. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Property taxes represent a recurring expense; a lower rate (California) reduces the ongoing cash‑flow requirement, though overall cost of living and home prices must also be considered. |
| Real‑estate investors | Investors comparing cash‑on‑cash returns should factor in the differing tax burdens; California’s lower rates may improve net yields on comparable assets. |
| Policy analysts | The contrast illustrates how state‑level tax structures influence local revenue generation and household expense profiles. |
The comparison is purely quantitative and does not account for other fiscal factors such as state income taxes, sales taxes, or cost‑of‑living differences, which may also affect the overall tax burden for residents.
Key takeaways
- Effective tax rate: California 0.71 % vs. Connecticut 1.92 %.
- Median property‑tax bill: California $4,926 vs. Connecticut $6,575.
- Tax on a $250k home: California $1,771 vs. Connecticut $4,789 (difference $3,018).
- Tax on a $500k home: California $3,542 vs. Connecticut $9,579 (difference $6,037).
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, California imposes a substantially lower property‑tax rate than Connecticut, resulting in lower annual tax payments for comparable home values. Stakeholders such as homeowners, retirees, and investors can use these figures to assess the relative cost of property ownership in each state.
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
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Data Source
All figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates). This comprehensive dataset provides reliable, standardized property tax information across all states.