California vs Virginia
California
Property‑Tax Comparison: California vs. Virginia
Both California and Virginia levy property taxes that are calculated as a percentage of a home’s assessed value. The two states differ markedly in median home values, household incomes, and the amount of tax paid on typical residences. The following comparison uses the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5‑year estimates.
Side‑by‑Side Metrics
| Metric | California | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Effective property‑tax rate | 0.71 % | 0.74 % |
| Median home value | $695,400 | $360,700 |
| Median annual property tax | $4,926 | $2,686 |
| Tax on a $250,000 home | $1,771 | $1,862 |
| Tax on a $500,000 home | $3,542 | $3,724 |
| Median household income | $96,334 | $90,974 |
All figures are taken from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey (5‑year estimates).
Which State Has the Lower Property‑Tax Burden?
- Winner (lower effective rate): California (0.71 % vs. 0.74 %).
- Rate difference: 0.04 % points, which represents a 4.87 % relative difference (0.04 % ÷ 0.71 % ≈ 5 %).
- Annual tax difference on a $250,000 home: $91 less in California.
- Annual tax difference on a $500,000 home: $182 less in California.
Why California wins: The effective property‑tax rate—taxes paid divided by home value—is the standard measure for comparing tax burden across states. California’s rate of 0.71 % is slightly lower than Virginia’s 0.74 %, resulting in modestly lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
Who Might Benefit Most from This Comparison?
| Audience | Relevance of the Data |
|---|---|
| Current or prospective homeowners | Understanding the effective tax rate helps estimate ongoing housing costs beyond the purchase price. |
| Retirees considering relocation | Property‑tax levels affect fixed‑income budgeting; a lower rate can reduce yearly expenses. |
| Real‑estate investors | Effective tax rates influence cash‑flow calculations for rental properties. |
| Policy analysts | The side‑by‑side metrics provide a baseline for evaluating fiscal policy impacts across states. |
The comparison is most useful for individuals or professionals who need to weigh ongoing property‑tax costs against other factors such as home price, income levels, and overall cost of living.
Further Reading
- Detailed information on California’s property‑tax structure: California property tax
- Detailed information on Virginia’s property‑tax structure: Virginia property tax
Based on the most recent ACS estimates, California’s effective property‑tax rate is marginally lower than Virginia’s, resulting in slightly lower annual taxes for comparable home values.
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.