Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maryland and Nebraska. Updated for 2026.
Nebraska wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $245K and lower overall costs, Nebraska offers meaningful savings compared to Maryland. 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 Nebraska saves you approximately $998/month ($11,976/year) compared to Maryland, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Nebraska offers meaningfully lower home prices than Maryland, with median prices running 42% less ($175K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Maryland may find Nebraska far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Maryland has a moderate property tax advantage at 1.09% versus Nebraska's 1.73%. While the rate gap of 0.64% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $340 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $3K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Maryland at $1,700/year versus $2,800/year in Nebraska, a difference of $1,100 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $11K 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. Maryland averages $11K in closing costs (2.5% of purchase price) while Nebraska averages $3K (1.3%). Much of Maryland's higher costs come from its 1.5% transfer tax, which adds $6K 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. Maryland's MD Mortgage Program provides Up to $25,000 DPA, while Nebraska's NIFA Homebuyer Assistance offers Up to 5% 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: Nebraska homes cost $175K less than Maryland on average. That translates to roughly $998 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Nebraska. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.