What You Can Buy in Sonoma County — And What You’ll Actually Get

If you’ve been asking, “What can I really afford in Sonoma County?”—you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common (and important) questions buyers have, and it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Let’s break it down.

First: Don’t Rely on Online Affordability Calculators Alone

Sites like Zillow and Redfin can be great for browsing, but their affordability calculators often leave out crucial costs like:

• Property taxes (which vary by city)

• Homeowners insurance

• HOA dues

• Local Mello-Roos or special assessments

• Interest rate variability

• PMI (if applicable)

A quick online search might say you can “afford” a $900K home—but the monthly costs could look very different once all the real expenses are factored in.

What You Can Actually Get for Your Budget in Sonoma County (2025 Snapshot)

Note: These examples are general and reflect market averages as of Spring 2025. Prices and availability vary.

💰 $650K – $750K

• Smaller single-family homes or townhomes

• 2–3 bedrooms, 1–2 baths

• Typically in Cotati, Rohnert Park, Windsor, or Santa Rosa

• May need cosmetic updates or have smaller lot sizes

💰 $800K – $950K

• Move-in ready 3-bed/2-bath homes in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, or Sonoma

• Larger lots, updated kitchens/baths

• Great for first-time or move-up buyers

💰 $1M – $1.3M

• Larger single-family homes with bigger yards

• Often in East Petaluma, Sebastopol, or near wine country

• May include ADUs or additional office/flex space

💰 $1.4M+

• Luxury properties, acreage, custom upgrades

• Located in Healdsburg, Glen Ellen, West Petaluma

• Often ideal for multi-gen living or remote/hybrid professionals

What Determines Your Buying Power?

Even with the same income, buyers can qualify for very different amounts depending on:

• Credit score

• Down payment

• Debt-to-income ratio

• Loan program

That’s why talking to a local lender is the first real step—not browsing online.

Let’s Run the Numbers, Together

If you’re wondering what fits your budget and your lifestyle, we’d love to help. We can connect you with a local lender and show you real homes that match your goals—not just a random estimate from the internet.

—

We’re realtors, moms, locals, and dog lovers serving Sonoma County and Marin County, who love sharing everything about where we live and the neighborhoods we explore. Follow along by signing up for our weekly newsletter with local favorites and the latest in real estate.