Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Idaho. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Idaho
Median Home Price
$785K
$420K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
0.63%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$6K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.5%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
None
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$1,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
Idaho Housing DPA
Up to 7% second mortgage
Verdict
Idaho wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $420K and lower overall costs, Idaho offers meaningful savings compared to California. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.