HOA Fee Comparison Tool

The national median HOA fee is approximately $135/month according to Census Bureau data. However, fees vary dramatically by location, property type, and amenities — from under $100 for basic single-family HOAs to over $500 for luxury high-rise condos.

HOA fees are primarily driven by: property type (high-rises cost more to maintain), amenities (pools, gyms, doormen), building age (older buildings need more repairs), location (labor and insurance costs vary), unit count (fewer units = higher per-unit costs), and reserve fund contributions.

Not necessarily. Higher fees often indicate better-maintained properties, more amenities, and healthier reserve funds. Very low fees can actually be a red flag — they may indicate deferred maintenance or underfunded reserves that could lead to special assessments.

Industry best practice recommends 20-40% of fees go to reserve funds. The national average is approximately 25%. Communities that allocate less than 15% to reserves may be at higher risk for special assessments.

Most states allow boards to increase fees annually, though some states cap the percentage increase without membership approval. California, for example, limits increases to 20% per year without a vote. Check your governing documents and state law for specific limits.

Our benchmarks are derived from Census Bureau data, CAI industry surveys, and state-level HOA research. The comparable community estimate factors in your state, property type, amenities, building age, and community size to provide a personalized benchmark.