Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and North Dakota. Updated for 2026.
North Dakota wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $255K and lower overall costs, North Dakota offers meaningful savings compared to Delaware. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in North Dakota saves you approximately $498/month ($5,976/year) compared to Delaware, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
North Dakota offers meaningfully lower home prices than Delaware, with median prices running 28% less ($100K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Delaware may find North Dakota far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Delaware has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus North Dakota's 0.98%. While the rate gap of 0.42% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $511 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $4K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Delaware at $1,300/year versus $2,100/year in North Dakota, a difference of $800 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $8K 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. Delaware averages $12K in closing costs (3.3% of purchase price) while North Dakota averages $3K (1.1%). Much of Delaware's higher costs come from its 4% transfer tax, which adds $14K to the median home purchase. 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. Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan provides Up to 5% Preferred Plus, while North Dakota's NDHFA FirstHome offers DCA up to $14,000. 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: Delaware and North Dakota are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $498/month separating them in total PITI payments. In cases like this, your decision should be driven by lifestyle preferences — job opportunities, climate, proximity to family, and quality of life — rather than pure cost savings. Either state offers a reasonable path to homeownership.