Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Hawaii. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Hawaii
Median Home Price
$785K
$830K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
0.28%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$12K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.5%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
0.2%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$1,200/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
HHFDC Hula Mae Program
Below-market rate mortgages
Verdict
California wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $785K and lower overall costs, California offers meaningful savings compared to Hawaii. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.