Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Vermont. Updated for 2026.
California and Vermont 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.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in Vermont saves you approximately $2,423/month ($29,076/year) compared to California, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Vermont cost 52% less than in California — that's a difference of $405K on the median home. For buyers relocating from California to Vermont, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a California home could fund a much larger down payment in Vermont, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.
Property taxes are dramatically different: California charges 0.73% while Vermont charges 1.9%, a gap of 1.17 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Vermont homeowners pay roughly $7,220 per year in property taxes versus $5,731 in California. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Insurance costs favor Vermont at $1,100/year versus $2,200/year in California, a difference of $1,100 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $11K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. California averages $9K in closing costs (1.2% of purchase price) while Vermont averages $6K (1.6%). The difference is spread across title insurance, attorney fees, and recording costs rather than a single large tax. Budget for these upfront costs — they affect how much cash you need on hand at closing.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. California's CalHFA Dream For All provides Up to 20% shared appreciation loan, while Vermont's VHFA MOVE Mortgage offers $5K–$15K 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: Vermont homes cost $405K less than California on average. That translates to roughly $2,423 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Vermont. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.