Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between New Hampshire and North Dakota. Updated for 2026.
North Dakota wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $255K and lower overall costs, North Dakota offers meaningful savings compared to New Hampshire. 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 North Dakota saves you approximately $1,544/month ($18,528/year) compared to New Hampshire, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
North Dakota offers meaningfully lower home prices than New Hampshire, with median prices running 41% less ($175K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of New Hampshire may find North Dakota far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property taxes are dramatically different: North Dakota charges 0.98% while New Hampshire charges 2.09%, a gap of 1.11 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means New Hampshire homeowners pay roughly $8,987 per year in property taxes versus $2,499 in North Dakota. 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 New Hampshire at $1,400/year versus $2,100/year in North Dakota, 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.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. New Hampshire averages $7K in closing costs (1.6% of purchase price) while North Dakota averages $3K (1.1%). Much of New Hampshire'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. New Hampshire's NHHFA Home Flex Plus provides Up to $20,000 DPA, while North Dakota's NDHFA FirstHome offers DCA up to $14,000. 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: North Dakota homes cost $175K less than New Hampshire on average. That translates to roughly $1,544 less per month in total housing costs if you choose North Dakota. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.