Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Kansas and Maryland. Updated for 2026.
Kansas wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $225K and lower overall costs, Kansas offers meaningful savings compared to Maryland. 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 Kansas saves you approximately $1,200/month ($14,400/year) compared to Maryland, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Kansas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Maryland, with median prices running 46% less ($195K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Maryland may find Kansas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Maryland has a moderate property tax advantage at 1.09% versus Kansas's 1.41%. While the rate gap of 0.32% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,406 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $11K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Maryland at $1,700/year versus $2,900/year in Kansas, a difference of $1,200 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $12K 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. Maryland averages $11K in closing costs (2.5% of purchase price) while Kansas averages $3K (1.3%). Much of Maryland's higher costs come from its 1.5% transfer tax, which adds $6K 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. Kansas's KHRC First-Time Homebuyer provides Up to 4% DPA, while Maryland's MD Mortgage Program offers Up to $25,000 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: Kansas homes cost $195K less than Maryland on average. That translates to roughly $1,200 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Kansas. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.