California vs New Hampshire
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. New Hampshire
Summary – Both California and New Hampshire have high median home values, but the two states differ markedly in how much property owners pay relative to those values. 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 that of New Hampshire, resulting in lower annual tax bills for comparable home prices.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 1.77 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $367,200 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $6,505 |
| Annual tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $4,429 |
| Annual tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $8,858 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $95,628 |
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
- Rate advantage: California’s effective property‑tax rate of 0.71 % is 1.06 percentage points lower than New Hampshire’s 1.77 % rate – a 60 % relative difference.
- Dollar‑value impact: For a $250,000 home, the annual tax in California is $1,771 versus $4,429 in New Hampshire, a difference of $2,658. For a $500,000 home, the difference widens to $5,316 ($3,542 vs. $8,858).
The lower rate means that, all else equal, California property owners pay less in annual taxes than comparable owners in New Hampshire.
Who Benefits Most From This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of Findings |
|---|---|
| Current homeowners | Understanding the tax burden relative to home value can inform budgeting and decisions about refinancing or moving. |
| Prospective homebuyers | Buyers can compare the ongoing cost of ownership across states, especially if they are weighing similar‑priced properties. |
| Retirees and fixed‑income households | Lower property taxes may ease cash‑flow constraints; California’s lower rates could be advantageous if income levels are comparable. |
| Real‑estate investors | Tax rates affect net return calculations; the higher New Hampshire rate may reduce cash‑on‑cash yields on comparable assets. |
The data are purely fiscal; they do not address other cost‑of‑living components (e.g., income tax, sales tax, housing affordability) that may also influence a household’s overall financial picture.
Further Reading
- Detailed breakdown of California’s property‑tax structure: California property tax
- Detailed breakdown of New Hampshire’s property‑tax structure: New Hampshire property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, the figures above reflect average conditions for the 2023 reporting period.
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.