California vs Massachusetts
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Massachusetts
Intro
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates), California and Massachusetts differ noticeably in property‑tax rates, median home values, and household incomes. California’s effective property‑tax rate is 0.71 %, while Massachusetts’ rate is 1.11 %. The lower rate makes California the “winner” in a direct tax‑rate comparison, although the higher median home price in California influences the absolute amount of tax paid.
Side‑by‑side metrics
| Metric | California | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 1.11 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $525,800 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $5,813 |
| Property tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $2,764 |
| Property tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $5,528 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $101,341 |
Sources: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).”
Which state “wins” on property tax?
- Winner (lower tax rate): California
- Tax‑rate difference: 0.40 percentage points, which is a 35.93 % lower effective rate than Massachusetts.
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $2,764 – $1,771 = $993.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $5,528 – $3,542 = $1,986.
Why California wins: The effective property‑tax rate of 0.71 % is materially lower than Massachusetts’ 1.11 %. Even though California’s median home price is higher, the lower rate results in a smaller tax burden per dollar of assessed value. The calculations above use the provided tax amounts for $250 k and $500 k properties to illustrate the absolute difference in dollars.
Who might find this comparison most relevant?
| Audience | Relevance of the comparison |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding how a change of residence could affect annual property‑tax expenses. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Evaluating the total cost of ownership, especially when budgeting for homes in the $250 k–$500 k range. |
| Retirees | Assessing long‑term tax liability, which influences fixed‑income budgeting and decisions about relocating to a lower‑tax jurisdiction. |
| Real‑estate investors | Comparing tax‑rate environments that could impact cash‑flow projections for rental or resale properties. |
| Policy analysts | Using the data as a baseline for studies of state tax structures and fiscal policy. |
The data are purely descriptive; they do not account for other taxes (e.g., income or sales tax), local assessment variations, exemptions, or the impact of state‑level tax caps such as California’s Proposition 13.
Related resources
- Detailed overview of California’s property‑tax system: California property tax
- Detailed overview of Massachusetts’ property‑tax system: Massachusetts property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above represent median values and effective rates at the state level.
Explore More Comparisons
Discover how property taxes compare across all states in our comprehensive comparison guide.
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.