Median home sale price surpasses $900,000 in California for the first time

The median sale price for homes in California passed $900,000 for the first time, new data shows.

According to the California Association of Realtors, the median price of an existing single-family home statewide was $904,210 in April, up 5.8% from March and up 11.4% from April 2023, according to data released May 17.

The new high is not likely the end, according to the organization, as a mix of seasonal factors and limited housing supply is likely to keep pushing prices up in the coming months.

California, while far outranking the national average, fit in a national trend for April. The National Association of Realtors reported the median existing-home sale price grew to its highest ever for the month of April: $407,600.

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California hits $900k median amid ballooning cost of living

Some say the housing market over the last few months has been the most expensive in recent memory, and California is one of the most expensive places to live. Rising home prices and mortgage rates play a big role, but inflation has also pushed up the cost of necessary basics like utilities, health care and child care.

According to an analysis by GOBankingRates, the "American Dream," (getting married, raising two kids, owning a home, a car and a pet) is the most expensive in Hawaii. By their calculation, it costs $260,734 annually per couple to live there, including discretionary spending and savings.

But California was a close second, coming in at $245,723. In Illinois, calculated to be right in the middle of the pack at 26th least expensive, cost $156,739 per year.

Contributing: Sara Chernikoff, Daniel de Visé