Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maryland and Massachusetts. Updated for 2026.
Maryland and Massachusetts are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
The monthly payment difference is $1,316/month — that’s $15,792/year or $474K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Maryland 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 Massachusetts, you need a household income of approximately $188K/year. In Maryland, you need $132K/year — less by $56K/year. That $56K income gap means Maryland is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Maryland offers meaningfully lower home prices than Massachusetts, with median prices running 29% less ($175K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Massachusetts may find Maryland far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Maryland: 1.09%, Massachusetts: 1.2%), 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.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Maryland's MD Mortgage Program provides Up to $25,000 DPA, while Massachusetts's MassHousing DPA offers Up to $50,000 DPA 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: Maryland and Massachusetts are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $1,316/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.