Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maryland and Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
Pennsylvania wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $280K and lower overall costs, Pennsylvania 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.
The monthly payment difference is $938/month — that’s $11,256/year or $338K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Pennsylvania 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 Maryland, you need a household income of approximately $132K/year. In Pennsylvania, you need $91K/year — less by $40K/year. That $40K income gap means Pennsylvania is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Pennsylvania offers meaningfully lower home prices than Maryland, with median prices running 33% less ($140K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Maryland may find Pennsylvania far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Maryland: 1.09%, Pennsylvania: 1.36%), 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.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Maryland averages $11K in closing costs (2.5% of purchase price) while Pennsylvania averages $5K (1.7%). 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 Pennsylvania's PHFA Keystone Advantage offers Up to $6,000 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: Pennsylvania homes cost $140K less than Maryland on average. That translates to roughly $938 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Pennsylvania. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.