Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maine and North Dakota. Updated for 2026.
North Dakota wins 5 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 Maine. 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 $681/month ($8,172/year) compared to Maine, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
North Dakota offers meaningfully lower home prices than Maine, with median prices running 27% less ($95K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Maine may find North Dakota far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
North Dakota has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.98% versus Maine's 1.3%. While the rate gap of 0.32% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,051 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $16K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Maine at $1,300/year versus $2,100/year in North Dakota, 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. Maine's MaineHousing First Home provides $5,000 Advantage grant, 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: Maine and North Dakota are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $681/month separating them in total PITI payments. In cases like this, your decision should be driven by lifestyle preferences — job opportunities, climate, proximity to family, and quality of life — rather than pure cost savings. Either state offers a reasonable path to homeownership.