Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Illinois. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Illinois
Median Home Price
$785K
$270K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
2.07%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$5K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
2.0%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
0.1%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$1,900/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
IHDA 1stHomeIllinois
$7,500 forgivable loan
Verdict
Illinois wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $270K and lower overall costs, Illinois offers meaningful savings compared to California. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.