Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Texas. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Texas
Median Home Price
$785K
$310K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
1.8%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$5K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.7%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
None
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$3,800/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
TDHCA My First Texas Home
Up to 5% DPA grant
Verdict
California and Texas are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.