California taxes — property, income, sales, retirement

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Property tax, income tax, sales tax, and retirement-income treatment in California. Quick read for movers, retirees, and remote workers.

Highest income tax in the country (top 13.3%). Prop 13 keeps property tax effective rate low. High sales tax.
Effective property tax
0.71%
of home value/yr
Income tax (top rate)
13.3%
Sales tax (state)
7.25%
local adds more
SS taxed by state?
No

Property tax

California’s effective property tax rate is approximately 0.71% of assessed home value per year. On a $350,000 home that’s about $2,485/yr. Rates vary by county and municipality — this is a state-wide average.

Income tax

Top marginal rate: 13.3%. Brackets vary by income. For wage earners, the effective rate depends on filing status, deductions, and credits.

Sales tax

State base rate: 7.25%. Local municipal and county additions can raise the combined rate by 1-4 percentage points.

Retirement income

Social Security: Not taxed by state. Pensions & 401(k) withdrawals: Fully taxed at state income rate.

Top cities in California

Los Angeles · pop 3,878,704 · momentum 53

San Diego · pop 1,404,452 · momentum 56

San Jose · pop 997,368 · momentum 56

San Francisco · pop 827,526 · momentum 51

Fresno · pop 550,105 · momentum 65

Sacramento · pop 535,798 · momentum 50

Compare to other states: All 50 state tax overviews · All California cities · Best California cities for retirees

Sources: Tax Foundation effective property tax rankings, state DOR publications, AARP retirement tax guide. 2024/2025 representative figures — verify with a CPA for your specific situation.