Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Virginia. Updated for 2026.
California and Virginia 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 Virginia saves you approximately $2,581/month ($30,972/year) compared to California, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Virginia offers meaningfully lower home prices than California, with median prices running 49% less ($385K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of California may find Virginia far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (California: 0.73%, Virginia: 0.82%), so taxes shouldn't be the deciding factor in your relocation decision. Instead, focus on differences in home prices, insurance costs, and state-specific programs. Both states collect roughly comparable property tax revenue relative to home values.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. California averages $9K in closing costs (1.2% of purchase price) while Virginia averages $6K (1.5%). 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 Virginia's Virginia Housing DPA Grant offers Up to 2.5% grant. 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: Virginia homes cost $385K less than California on average. That translates to roughly $2,581 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Virginia. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.