Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between North Dakota and Utah. Updated for 2026.
North Dakota wins 3 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 Utah. 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 $1,314/month ($15,768/year) compared to Utah, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
North Dakota offers meaningfully lower home prices than Utah, with median prices running 47% less ($225K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Utah may find North Dakota far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Utah has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.58% versus North Dakota's 0.98%. While the rate gap of 0.40% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $285 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $2K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Utah at $1,200/year versus $2,100/year in North Dakota, a difference of $900 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $9K 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. Utah averages $6K in closing costs (1.3% of purchase price) while North Dakota averages $3K (1.1%). The difference is spread across title insurance, attorney fees, and recording costs rather than a single large tax. 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. North Dakota's NDHFA FirstHome provides DCA up to $14,000, while Utah's UHC FirstHome Loan offers Up to 6% DPA second. 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 $225K less than Utah on average. That translates to roughly $1,314 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.