California vs Washington: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Washington
Median Home Price
$785K
$580K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
0.98%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$8K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
1.78%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$1,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
WSHFC Home Advantage
Up to $10,000 DPA
Verdict
California and Washington 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.