Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maine and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Maine wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $350K and lower overall costs, Maine 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 Maine saves you approximately $1,514/month ($18,168/year) compared to Washington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Maine offers meaningfully lower home prices than Washington, with median prices running 40% less ($230K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Washington may find Maine far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Washington 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 $1,134 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $9K in savings.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Maine's MaineHousing First Home provides $5,000 Advantage grant, 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: Maine homes cost $230K less than Washington on average. That translates to roughly $1,514 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Maine. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.