Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Kansas and Minnesota. 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 Minnesota. 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.
The monthly payment difference is $649/month — that’s $7,788/year or $234K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Kansas is the more affordable option based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Based on the 28% debt-to-income rule — your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income.
To afford the median home in Minnesota, you need a household income of approximately $108K/year. In Kansas, you need $80K/year — less by $28K/year. That $28K income gap means Kansas is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Kansas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Minnesota, with median prices running 33% less ($110K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Minnesota may find Kansas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Kansas: 1.41%, Minnesota: 1.12%), 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.
Insurance costs favor Minnesota at $2,100/year versus $2,900/year in Kansas, 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.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Kansas's KHRC First-Time Homebuyer provides Up to 4% DPA, while Minnesota's Minnesota Housing Start Up offers Up to $18,000 deferred loan. 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 $110K less than Minnesota on average. That translates to roughly $649 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.