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Foster City, San Mateo County, California Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Foster City, California

  • Median Foster City, California effective property tax rate: 1.15%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Foster City, California home value: $879,462

  • Median annual Foster City, California tax bill: $9,871, $7,471 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in San Mateo calculated?

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

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Foster City, San Mateo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.15%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$10,114

$9,385

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Foster City Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Foster City property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Foster City's median effective tax rate of 1.15% — based on actual property records in San Mateo County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessor uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Foster City'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 Foster City: rates range from 1.15% in 94404 to 1.15% in 94404, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your Foster City assessment — you only pay if we save you money.

About Foster City Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Foster City, San Mateo, California

Foster City’s median effective property tax rate of 1.15% is lower than the California state median of 1.21% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the San Mateo County base levy combined with local levies that can affect what homeowners pay.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Foster City. Homeowners in ZIP code 94404 carry the same median effective rate of 1.15%, with the same median tax bill of $9,871 and median home price of $879,462. Even so, your assessed value still plays a major role in your annual bill.

Foster City homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the December 1, 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 Foster City, San Mateo 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 Foster City’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 Foster City, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.07%

1.27%

1.47%

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 Foster City Tax Rate

1.15%

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 San Mateo County Tax Rate

1.23%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Foster City, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
944041.10%1.13%1.15%1.18%1.26%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Foster City, San Mateo County, California

When examining property taxes in Foster City, 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 San Mateo County assessor 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 San Mateo County, assessment notices are sent in October each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of October.

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 Foster City.

For example, the median home price in Foster City is $879,462, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. 94404 has the highest median home price at $879,462.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Foster City, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$462,344

$2,599,052

$4,735,760

Median Foster City Market Value

$879,462

Median San Mateo County Market Value

$810,000

Median California Market Value

$427,605

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Foster City, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94404$259,901$506,608$879,462$1,391,294$1,902,732

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Foster City, San Mateo County, California

Property tax bills in Foster City are based on the assessed value of a home, not its market price, and the local tax rate is applied to that assessment to determine what homeowners owe. For many owners, the size of the bill depends on factors such as the home’s assessed value, local tax rates, and any exemptions that may apply. With a median home price of $879,462, tax bills can vary widely across the city, with the 25th percentile at $5,732, the 75th percentile at $15,512, and the 90th percentile at $21,027. In ZIP code 94404, the median tax bill is $9,871.

Because property taxes can rise as assessed values increase, homeowners may face higher annual costs even when their income does not change. Ownwell helps homeowners save by reviewing assessments, identifying opportunities for appeals, and finding exemptions that may lower their property tax bills.

Property Tax Bills Across Foster City, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$4,835

$26,810

$48,785

Median Foster City Tax Bill

$9,871

Median San Mateo County Tax Bill

$9,758

Median California Tax Bill

$5,134

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Foster City, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94404$2,987$5,732$9,871$15,512$21,027

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Foster City, California

How are property taxes calculated in Foster City, California?
Property taxes in Foster City, 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 Foster City, California?
To appeal your property taxes in Foster City, 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 Foster City, California?
Common property tax exemptions in Foster City, 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 Foster City, California?
Property tax deadlines in Foster City, 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 Foster City, California?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Foster City, 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.