Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Maryland. Updated for 2026.
California wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Maryland has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in Maryland saves you approximately $2,351/month ($28,212/year) compared to California, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Maryland offers meaningfully lower home prices than California, with median prices running 46% less ($365K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of California may find Maryland far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
California has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.73% versus Maryland's 1.09%. While the rate gap of 0.36% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,152 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $9K in savings.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. California's CalHFA Dream For All provides Up to 20% shared appreciation loan, while Maryland's MD Mortgage Program offers Up to $25,000 DPA. 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: Maryland homes cost $365K less than California on average. That translates to roughly $2,351 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Maryland. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.