Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Montana and Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
Montana 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.
Buying in Pennsylvania saves you approximately $916/month ($10,992/year) compared to Montana, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Pennsylvania offers meaningfully lower home prices than Montana, with median prices running 35% less ($150K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Montana may find Pennsylvania far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Montana has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.74% versus Pennsylvania's 1.36%. While the rate gap of 0.62% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $626 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $5K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Pennsylvania at $1,400/year versus $2,100/year in Montana, a difference of $700 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $7K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Montana's MBOH Regular Bond Program provides Up to $15,000 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 $150K less than Montana on average. That translates to roughly $916 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.