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Big Sur, Monterey County, California Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Big Sur, California

  • Median Big Sur, California effective property tax rate: 1.02%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and lower than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Big Sur, California home value: $1,152,616

  • Median annual Big Sur, California tax bill: $10,756, higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Monterey calculated?

Property taxes in Big Sur, California are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Big Sur's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Big Sur, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Big Sur, Monterey County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.02%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$11,757

$10,910

How Does the Big Sur Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Big Sur property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Big Sur's median effective tax rate of 1.02% — based on actual property records in Monterey County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Big Sur's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Big Sur: rates range from 1.02% in 93920 to 1.02% in 93920, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Big Sur.

About Big Sur Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Big Sur, Monterey, California

Big Sur’s median effective property tax rate of 1.02% is lower than the California state median of 1.21% and lower than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the Monterey County base levy combined with local school district levies and Mello-Roos Community Facility Districts that vary by subdivision throughout the area.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Big Sur. Homeowners in the 93920 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.02%, while those in the same ZIP code also pay 1.02%. This reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across Monterey County. Understanding which part of Big Sur you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Big Sur homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the November 30, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Big Sur's effective property tax rate to other cities in California and the median property tax rates in California and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.01%

1.37%

1.72%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Big Sur Tax Rate

1.02%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Monterey County Tax Rate

1.12%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
939200.97%1.00%1.02%1.02%1.03%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

When examining property taxes in Big Sur, California, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Monterey County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In Monterey County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month when notices are sent.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Big Sur.

For example, the median home price in Big Sur is $1,152,616, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 93920 has the highest median home price at $1,152,616.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

Source: Ownwell

$105,696

$930,602

$1,755,507

Median Big Sur Market Value

$1,152,616

Median Monterey County Market Value

$453,393

Median California Market Value

$427,605

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
93920$293,925$492,452$1,152,616$2,599,463$4,270,349

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

Big Sur property tax bills are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is generally based on the market value of the property. For homeowners in this area, the median home price is $1,152,616, so even a modest change in assessed value can have a meaningful impact on the annual bill.

Several factors influence the final amount, including the property’s location, any local levies, and changes in assessed value over time. In Monterey County, tax bills can vary widely, with the 25th percentile at $4,399 and the 75th percentile at $24,698. The 90th percentile reaches $38,649, showing how quickly costs can rise for higher-value homes.

For many homeowners, this means property taxes are one of the largest ongoing housing expenses. The median tax bill in ZIP code 93920 is $10,756, which is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Property Tax Bills Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

Source: Ownwell

$1,735

$8,731

$15,727

Median Big Sur Tax Bill

$10,756

Median Monterey County Tax Bill

$5,005

Median California Tax Bill

$5,134

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Big Sur, Monterey County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
93920$2,195$4,399$10,756$24,698$38,649

Source: Ownwell

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Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Big Sur, California

How are property taxes calculated in Big Sur, California?
Property taxes in Big Sur, California are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.
How do I appeal my property taxes in Big Sur, California?
To appeal your property taxes in Big Sur, California, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.
What property tax exemptions are available in Big Sur, California?
Common property tax exemptions in Big Sur, California include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.
When are property taxes due in Big Sur, California?
Property tax deadlines in Big Sur, California vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Big Sur, California?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Big Sur, California. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.