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HOA Dues Benchmark Calculator
Find out if your HOA dues are competitive. Enter your state, community type, and amenities — get a recommended dues range based on comparable communities.
Community basics
$
Per unit / month
Amenities
Select all amenities your community maintains. Each adds to the benchmark estimate.
Estimates are based on national benchmarks adjusted for state, community type, and scale. Not a substitute for a formal budget prepared by a licensed HOA management company or CPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How are HOA dues calculated?
- HOA dues are calculated by dividing the total projected operating budget (including operating expenses, management fees, insurance, and reserve contributions) by the number of units, then dividing by 12 for monthly dues. The reserve contribution component is often 15–25% of total dues and depends on the results of a professional reserve study. This tool estimates benchmarks based on community type, state cost of living, amenities, and community scale.
- What is the average HOA fee in the United States?
- Average HOA fees vary significantly by community type and region. For condominium communities, the national average is roughly $250–$350 per month. For single-family home communities, the average is lower — typically $150–$200 per month. High-cost states like California, New York, Hawaii, and Massachusetts can run 25–45% above these averages. Communities with premium amenities (gated entry, elevator maintenance, concierge) will be at the higher end of the range.
- How often can HOA dues increase?
- Most HOA governing documents (CC&Rs and bylaws) allow the board to increase dues annually without a homeowner vote, typically up to a cap of 5–10% per year. Increases above the cap usually require a majority or supermajority vote of the membership. Some states — including California, Colorado, and Florida — have specific statutory rules around notice requirements and caps for dues increases. Always check your governing documents and applicable state law before raising dues.
- What happens if HOA dues are set too low?
- Chronically low dues lead to deferred maintenance, underfunded reserves, and eventually special assessments — large one-time charges to homeowners that can run thousands of dollars per unit. Underfunded reserves also reduce property values and can make the community ineligible for FHA or conventional financing, making it harder for owners to sell. The safest approach is to set dues at the level needed to fully fund operations and reserves, with an annual increase for inflation.