Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Hawaii and Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
Hawaii wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Pennsylvania has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. 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 Pennsylvania saves you approximately $3,194/month ($38,328/year) compared to Hawaii, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Pennsylvania cost 66% less than in Hawaii — that's a difference of $550K on the median home. For buyers relocating from Hawaii to Pennsylvania, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a Hawaii home could fund a much larger down payment in Pennsylvania, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Hawaii charges 0.28% while Pennsylvania charges 1.36%, a gap of 1.08 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Pennsylvania homeowners pay roughly $3,808 per year in property taxes versus $2,324 in Hawaii. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Hawaii averages $12K in closing costs (1.5% of purchase price) while Pennsylvania averages $5K (1.7%). 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. Hawaii's HHFDC Hula Mae Program provides Below-market rate mortgages, 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 $550K less than Hawaii on average. That translates to roughly $3,194 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.