USDA Vs. FHA your options comparison in Santa-Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA

In 2026, the USDA loan ceiling in Santa-Cruz, situated in the county of Santa Cruz, CA, is set at $657,900. Meanwhile, for a single-family dwelling, the FHA loan maximum is $822,375.

Employ the Lendersa® USDA loan calculator to gauge today's optimal USDA versus FHA rates. This tool helps identify the necessary income levels, credit scores, reserves, and documentation required for eligibility. Our comprehensive mortgage calculator presents USDA, FHA, Conforming, and VA options side by side, making it easier to determine which scheme in suits your financial needs best.

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2026 loan thresholds and down payment criteria in Santa-Cruz, county of Santa Cruz, CA

Type of Loan Maximum Loan Amount Minimum Down Payment
USDA $657,900 0%
FHA $822,375 3.5%
Conventional Conforming $822,375 3%

Options for USDA and FHA loans in Santa-Cruz, CA

The objective of Lendersa® is to efficiently secure the ideal USDA or FHA loan for you without complications. Choose among the three initial options provided to connect with lenders and USDA loan programs that align with your needs.

Lendersa USDA loan request and matching results

Explanation of USDA Loans in CA

A USDA home loan, promised by the government's Department of Agriculture, also known as the USDA rural development loan or USDA mortgage, is exclusively available in rural community areas. Unlike FHA loans, which necessitate a minimum down payment of 3.5%, the USDA loan requires no down payment at all.

Enter your location to find out if it qualifies for USDA rural housing loan?



  • Nevada Title and Payday Loans, Inc.
  • 1549 N Rancho Dr, Las Vegas, NV, 89106
  • A title loan, payday loan or a signature installment loan from Nevada Title and Payday Loans, Inc. could help you meet some of your financial challenges. With our experience and professionalism, we can help you get a car title loan, signature installment loans or payday loan that works for you in 30 minutes or less.

  • Rich Farmer Team - KRC Realty
  • 1132 San Marino Drive, Suite 100, San Marcos, CA, 92078
  • KRC Realty Services is comprised of a team of local real estate professionals committed to selling some of the most desired homes in San Diego County. KRC Realty Services is a team of local real estate experts ready to reveal the secrets of how we can help you. Our team of local experts is ready to guide you through the home-buying process.

  • Jason Wood - VA Loan Guy
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  • As the son of a Real Estate Agent, Jason has been around the real estate nearly all his life. Jason began his career in the mortgage industry during college and has over seventeen years of experience in the real estate industry. He began originating loans in 2001 and in 2011 moved to San Diego to further develop his career.

  • PACFI
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  • Platinum Mortgage Executives
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  • Josh Jelsing
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  • Josh Jelsing has been in the banking and lending industry since 1999, when he began his career at JP Morgan Chase. After serving his nation in the United States Marine Corp for 4 years, Josh immediately took an offer with Chase to work as a Junior Loan Officer. He quickly became one of the top loan officers in an office of 150+

  • West Coast Financial
  • 1 Bella Vita Way, San Marcos, CA, 92078
  • Our mission is to serve our customers with honesty, integrity and competence. Our goal is to provide home loans to our clients while providing them with the lowest interest rates and closing costs possible. Furthermore, we pledge to help borrowers overcome roadblocks that can arise while securing a loan.

  • Reliance Bay Funding
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  • At Reliance Bay Funding. We are a full-service mortgage company based in San Diego California meeting the mortgage loan needs of our clients since 2004. We specialize in residential mortgages and offer purchase and refinance home loans in all of California counties. We can help you realize your dreams of homeownership

  • Superb Mortgage and Real Estate, Inc.
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  • Oak Mortgage
  • 208 Violet Ave., San Marcos, CA, 92078
  • 1978 Dave Mugg began his career in the mortgage industry, joining a nationwide mortgage company and becoming one of the top producers in the country. After 3 years of working within the corporate structure, Dave realized the need for one on one service was not being met. In 1981 he started what is now called Oak Mortgage.