Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Montana and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin offers meaningful savings compared to Montana. 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 Wisconsin saves you approximately $831/month ($9,972/year) compared to Montana, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Montana charges 0.74% while Wisconsin charges 1.76%, a gap of 1.02 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Wisconsin homeowners pay roughly $4,928 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 Wisconsin at $1,300/year versus $2,100/year in Montana, 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.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Montana's MBOH Regular Bond Program provides Up to $15,000 DPA, while Wisconsin's WHEDA First-Time Advantage offers Up to $3,050 Easy Close grant. 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: Wisconsin homes cost $150K less than Montana on average. That translates to roughly $831 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Wisconsin. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.