Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Florida and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Florida wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $395K and lower overall costs, Florida offers meaningful savings compared to Washington. 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 Florida saves you approximately $1,096/month ($13,152/year) compared to Washington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Florida offers meaningfully lower home prices than Washington, with median prices running 32% less ($185K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Washington may find Florida far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Florida: 0.86%, Washington: 0.98%), 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.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Washington ($1,600/year) compared to Florida ($4,200/year). That's an extra $2,600 per year — or $217/month — eating into your budget in Florida. Florida'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. Florida's Florida Hometown Heroes provides Up to 5% as 0% deferred loan, while Washington's WSHFC Home Advantage offers Up to $10,000 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: Florida homes cost $185K less than Washington on average. That translates to roughly $1,096 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Florida. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.