Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
Massachusetts and Pennsylvania 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 $2,254/month — that’s $27,048/year or $811K 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 Massachusetts, you need a household income of approximately $188K/year. In Pennsylvania, you need $91K/year — less by $97K/year. That $97K income gap means Pennsylvania is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Pennsylvania cost 53% less than in Massachusetts — that's a difference of $315K on the median home. For buyers relocating from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a Massachusetts home could fund a much larger down payment in Pennsylvania, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Massachusetts: 1.2%, 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.
Insurance costs favor Pennsylvania at $1,400/year versus $2,200/year in Massachusetts, 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.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Massachusetts averages $10K in closing costs (1.6% of purchase price) while Pennsylvania averages $5K (1.7%). The difference is spread across title insurance, attorney fees, and recording costs rather than a single large tax. 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. Massachusetts's MassHousing DPA provides Up to $50,000 DPA loan, 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 $315K less than Massachusetts on average. That translates to roughly $2,254 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.