Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between New Hampshire and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Wisconsin wins 6 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 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 Wisconsin saves you approximately $1,256/month ($15,072/year) compared to New Hampshire, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Wisconsin offers meaningfully lower home prices than New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire may find Wisconsin far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Wisconsin has a moderate property tax advantage at 1.76% versus New Hampshire's 2.09%. While the rate gap of 0.33% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $4,059 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $32K in savings.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. New Hampshire's NHHFA Home Flex Plus provides Up to $20,000 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 New Hampshire on average. That translates to roughly $1,256 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.