Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Kansas and Washington. 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 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 Kansas saves you approximately $2,254/month ($27,048/year) compared to Washington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Kansas cost 61% less than in Washington — that's a difference of $355K on the median home. For buyers relocating from Washington to Kansas, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a Washington home could fund a much larger down payment in Kansas, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.
Washington has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.98% versus Kansas's 1.41%. While the rate gap of 0.43% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,512 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $20K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Washington at $1,600/year versus $2,900/year in Kansas, a difference of $1,300 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $13K 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. Washington averages $8K in closing costs (1.4% of purchase price) while Kansas averages $3K (1.3%). Much of Washington's higher costs come from its 1.78% transfer tax, which adds $10K 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 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: Kansas homes cost $355K less than Washington on average. That translates to roughly $2,254 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.