Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Colorado. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Colorado
Median Home Price
$785K
$520K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
0.51%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$7K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
0.01%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$3,200/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
CHFA Down Payment Assistance
Up to $25,000 second mortgage
Verdict
Colorado wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $520K and lower overall costs, Colorado offers meaningful savings compared to California. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.