Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Montana and Vermont. Updated for 2026.
Montana and Vermont 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 Vermont saves you approximately $50/month ($600/year) compared to Montana, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Home prices in Montana and Vermont are relatively close, with only a 12% difference ($50K). At similar price points, your decision should focus on the other cost factors: property taxes, insurance, closing costs, and the overall quality of life each state offers. Small percentage differences in tax rates compound over decades of homeownership.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Montana charges 0.74% while Vermont charges 1.9%, a gap of 1.16 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Vermont homeowners pay roughly $7,220 per year in property taxes versus $3,182 in Montana. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Insurance costs favor Vermont at $1,100/year versus $2,100/year in Montana, a difference of $1,000 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $10K 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 Vermont's VHFA MOVE Mortgage offers $5K–$15K 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: property taxes are the defining difference here. Vermont's 1.9% rate versus Montana's 0.74% means Montana homeowners save approximately $4,038 every year on taxes alone. Over a 30-year mortgage, that difference compounds into tens of thousands of dollars — making it the most important cost factor in this comparison.