Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Colorado and Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
Colorado and Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania saves you approximately $1,509/month ($18,108/year) compared to Colorado, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Pennsylvania offers meaningfully lower home prices than Colorado, with median prices running 46% less ($240K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Colorado may find Pennsylvania far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Colorado has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.51% versus Pennsylvania's 1.36%. While the rate gap of 0.85% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,156 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $9K in savings.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Pennsylvania ($1,400/year) compared to Colorado ($3,200/year). That's an extra $1,800 per year — or $150/month — eating into your budget in Colorado. Colorado's high insurance costs are often driven by severe weather risks (hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires), which also affect availability of coverage.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Colorado's CHFA Down Payment Assistance provides Up to $25,000 second mortgage, while Pennsylvania's PHFA Keystone Advantage offers Up to $6,000 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: Pennsylvania homes cost $240K less than Colorado on average. That translates to roughly $1,509 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Pennsylvania. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.