Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Arkansas and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Arkansas and Wisconsin are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in Arkansas saves you approximately $726/month ($8,712/year) compared to Wisconsin, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Arkansas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Wisconsin, with median prices running 30% less ($85K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Wisconsin may find Arkansas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Arkansas charges 0.62% while Wisconsin charges 1.76%, a gap of 1.14 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Wisconsin homeowners pay roughly $4,928 per year in property taxes versus $1,209 in Arkansas. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Insurance costs favor Wisconsin at $1,300/year versus $2,500/year in Arkansas, a difference of $1,200 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $12K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Arkansas's ADFA Down Payment Assistance provides Up to $15,000 DPA, while Wisconsin's WHEDA First-Time Advantage offers Up to $3,050 Easy Close grant. These programs can significantly reduce your upfront costs and make homeownership accessible even if you haven't saved a full 20% down payment. Check eligibility requirements on each state's housing finance agency website — income limits and purchase price caps apply.
The bottom line: Arkansas homes cost $85K less than Wisconsin on average. That translates to roughly $726 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Arkansas. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.