San Francisco closing cost calculator

Itemized buyer-side closing costs for San Francisco and San Francisco County.

San Francisco buyers pay a mix of lender fees, title insurance, recording fees, and prepaid escrow for taxes and insurance. San Francisco County sets the recording schedule.

SF transfer tax tiers from $5 per $1,000 up to $60 per $1,000 above $25M.

Worked examples

Real numbers for common scenarios. These are estimates - your final closing disclosure will reflect the exact fees your specific loan and property require.

Scenario

Buying a $1,335,000 home in San Francisco, CA

Inputs

Sale price: $1,335,000
Down payment: 5% ($66,750)
Loan amount: $1,268,250
County: San Francisco County

Estimate

Lender fees (origination, underwriting, appraisal): $1,850
Lender's title insurance: $7,343
Recording + courier: $95
Initial escrow (taxes + insurance): $3,338
Estimated buyer closing cost: $12,626

SF transfer tax tiers from $5 per $1,000 up to $60 per $1,000 above $25M.

Scenario

Buying a $1,335,000 home in San Francisco, CA

Inputs

Sale price: $1,335,000
Down payment: 20% ($267,000)
Loan amount: $1,068,000
County: San Francisco County

Estimate

Lender fees (origination, underwriting, appraisal): $1,850
Lender's title insurance: $7,343
Recording + courier: $95
Initial escrow (taxes + insurance): $3,338
Estimated buyer closing cost: $12,626

SF transfer tax tiers from $5 per $1,000 up to $60 per $1,000 above $25M.

Run your own numbers

The calculator gives you the same itemized breakdown for any price, down payment, loan type, and location.

Open the calculator

Frequently asked questions

Are these numbers exact?+

No. They are estimates built from public-record averages: median home price (Zillow ZHVI), effective property-tax rate (Tax Foundation), state-level homeowners-insurance averages. Your final Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the authoritative figures.

Why does the same loan amount cost so much more here than in other states?+

Two big drivers: state and county taxes (transfer, recording, intangible) and homeowners-insurance pricing. Florida and Texas pay heavier insurance. New Jersey and Illinois pay heavier property taxes. Nevada and Washington layer on real-estate excise taxes. The calculator shows each line item so you can see where the money goes.

Who pays which costs at closing?+

Most line items are negotiable but follow strong local custom. In Florida, the seller pays doc stamps on the deed and the owner's title policy. The buyer pays doc stamps on the note plus intangible tax. In California, the seller pays the owner's title policy in Northern CA but the buyer pays it in Southern CA. In Texas, the seller customarily pays the owner's title policy. Always confirm with your title officer.

All numbers shown are estimates for planning purposes. Closing costs, taxes, and fees vary by lender, title company, county, and individual transaction. LoanElk is not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Your final Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the authoritative figures.