Stumbled across this calculator today that helps you decide whether it is smarter to buy or rent a home. The calculator allows you to input all of the information regarding price appreciation, rent appreciation, loan amount and property tax rates.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/business/buy-rent-calculator.html
The deciding factor when choosing whether to Buy or Rent your next home is how long you plan on living there. If you are staying for ten years or more you are often better off buying your home, where those who are unsure and need the flexibility are better off renting.
For an excel spreadsheet listing approximate tax rates of a few east bay cities click the link below:
If you are unable to locate the city you are looking for try calling the County Tax Assessor’s Office.