Mortgage Rates in El Cerrito, California — March 2026
Updated March 2026 | Based on El Cerrito market data and regional lending conditions
El Cerrito is a growing city in California with a population of 25,523. The current 30-year fixed mortgage rate in El Cerrito is 6.69%, which is 0.04% above the national average. With a median home price of $657,000 and a 20% down payment of $131,400, homebuyers can expect a monthly principal and interest payment of approximately $3,388.
Current Mortgage Rates in El Cerrito, CA
Below are the current average mortgage rates available in the El Cerrito area as of March 2026. Rates vary by lender, credit score, and loan-to-value ratio. Use our free calculator above to see your personalized estimate.
| Loan Type | Rate | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Fixed | 6.69% | 6.65% | +0.04% |
| 15-Year Fixed | 5.94% | 5.89% | +0.05% |
| 5/1 ARM | 6.21% | 6.15% | +0.06% |
| FHA | 6.47% | 6.25% | +0.22% |
| VA | 6.22% | 6.05% | +0.17% |
| Jumbo | 6.94% | 6.85% | +0.09% |
El Cerrito Housing Market Overview
The El Cerrito housing market is competitive with prices well above the national median. The median household income in El Cerrito is $77,300, and the cost of living index is 134.4 (national average = 100). Based on the 28% affordability rule, you would need an income of approximately $164,186 to comfortably afford the median-priced home in El Cerrito, which exceeds the current median household income.
Monthly Payment Breakdown for El Cerrito
Based on the median home price of $657,000 with 20% down ($131,400), here is what you can expect to pay monthly in El Cerrito:
15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage in El Cerrito
Choosing a 15-year mortgage in El Cerrito at 5.94% instead of a 30-year at 6.69% would save you $424,440 in total interest over the life of the loan. However, your monthly payment would be $4,418 instead of $3,388 — an increase of $1,030 per month.
Calculate Your El Cerrito Mortgage Payment
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Open Free CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions About Mortgages in El Cerrito
What are the current mortgage rates in El Cerrito, CA?
As of March 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in El Cerrito, California is 6.69%, while the 15-year fixed rate is 5.94%. FHA loans average 6.47% and VA loans 6.22%. These rates are 0.04% above the national average of 6.65%.
How much is a monthly mortgage payment in El Cerrito?
Based on the median home price of $657,000 with 20% down, the estimated monthly mortgage payment in El Cerrito is $3,388 for principal and interest. Including property taxes of $443/month, the total monthly housing cost is approximately $3,831.
What income do I need to buy a home in El Cerrito?
Using the 28% rule, you would need an annual income of approximately $164,186 to afford the median-priced home in El Cerrito at $657,000. The median household income in El Cerrito is $77,300. This means most households would need to either earn above the median or consider homes below $657,000.
Is El Cerrito a good place to buy a home in 2026?
El Cerrito has a higher cost of living than average with a cost of living index of 134.4 (national average = 100). The property tax rate in California is 0.81%, which is near the national average. El Cerrito has a population of 25,523 and offers a balanced lifestyle.
Mortgage Rates in Other California Cities
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Last updated: March 2026. Rates are approximate averages based on regional lending data for the El Cerrito, California area. Individual rates may vary by lender, credit score, loan amount, and other factors. Use our free calculator for a personalized estimate.