Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Utah. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Utah
Median Home Price
$785K
$480K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
0.58%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$6K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.3%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
None
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$1,200/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
UHC FirstHome Loan
Up to 6% DPA second
Verdict
Utah wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $480K and lower overall costs, Utah offers meaningful savings compared to California. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.