Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Idaho and North Dakota. Updated for 2026.
North Dakota wins 3 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 Idaho. 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 $972/month ($11,664/year) compared to Idaho, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
North Dakota offers meaningfully lower home prices than Idaho, with median prices running 39% less ($165K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Idaho may find North Dakota far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Idaho has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.63% versus North Dakota's 0.98%. While the rate gap of 0.35% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $147 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $1K in savings.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Idaho averages $6K in closing costs (1.5% of purchase price) while North Dakota averages $3K (1.1%). 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. Idaho's Idaho Housing DPA provides Up to 7% second mortgage, 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: North Dakota homes cost $165K less than Idaho on average. That translates to roughly $972 less per month in total housing costs if you choose North Dakota. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.