City of Berkeley Transfer Tax
City of Berkeley charges the whole price is taxed at the bracket rate: 1.5% up to $1,700,000, 2.5% above $1,700,000 on top of the California state tax ($0.55 per $500 of price or fraction (0.11%)). On a $854,000 home that is $13,749 in total. On top of Alameda County's base rate; current as of 2026. A new tiered schedule (2.5% at $1.6M+, 3.0% at $1.9M+, 3.5% at $3.0M+) approved by voters as Measure W takes effect January 1, 2027 and is not reflected here.
City of Berkeley transfer tax by purchase price
| Purchase price | State tax | City of Berkeley | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $165 | $2,250 | $2,415 |
| $200,000 | $220 | $3,000 | $3,220 |
| $250,000 | $275 | $3,750 | $4,025 |
| $300,000 | $330 | $4,500 | $4,830 |
| $350,000 | $385 | $5,250 | $5,635 |
| $400,000 | $440 | $6,000 | $6,440 |
| $450,000 | $495 | $6,750 | $7,245 |
| $500,000 | $550 | $7,500 | $8,050 |
| $600,000 | $660 | $9,000 | $9,660 |
| $700,000 | $770 | $10,500 | $11,270 |
| $800,000 | $880 | $12,000 | $12,880 |
| $1,000,000 | $1,100 | $15,000 | $16,100 |
Transfer tax calculator
Who pays
Negotiable. On top of Alameda County's base rate; current as of 2026. A new tiered schedule (2.5% at $1.6M+, 3.0% at $1.9M+, 3.5% at $3.0M+) approved by voters as Measure W takes effect January 1, 2027 and is not reflected here.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the transfer tax in City of Berkeley?
City of Berkeley charges the whole price is taxed at the bracket rate: 1.5% up to $1,700,000, 2.5% above $1,700,000, on top of the California state tax, so a $854,000 home pays $13,749 in total ($939 state, $12,810 local).
Who pays the City of Berkeley transfer tax?
Negotiable. On top of Alameda County's base rate; current as of 2026. A new tiered schedule (2.5% at $1.6M+, 3.0% at $1.9M+, 3.5% at $3.0M+) approved by voters as Measure W takes effect January 1, 2027 and is not reflected here.
Sources
Rates as the statute or revenue department publishes them, checked 2026-09-22. Figures are computed from those rates and rounded to the dollar; exemptions for first-time buyers or principal residences are noted where they exist and are not applied. All sources.
California transfer tax overview → All California buyer closing costs →
Figures are computed from the statutes and ordinances cited above and rounded to the dollar. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.
California transfer tax