According to the First-time Buyer Housing Affordability Index published by the California Association of  Realtors, 64 percent of first-time buyers could afford to purchase an entry-level home in California in the second quarter of 2010. 

The minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home ($266,750)  in California was $43,960. This would include an estimated monthly payment of $1,470 including taxes and insurance.