Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Pennsylvania and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Pennsylvania and Washington 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 Pennsylvania saves you approximately $1,992/month ($23,904/year) compared to Washington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Pennsylvania cost 52% less than in Washington — that's a difference of $300K on the median home. For buyers relocating from Washington to Pennsylvania, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a Washington home could fund a much larger down payment in Pennsylvania, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.
Washington has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.98% versus Pennsylvania's 1.36%. While the rate gap of 0.38% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,876 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $15K in savings.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Washington averages $8K in closing costs (1.4% of purchase price) while Pennsylvania averages $5K (1.7%). Much of Washington's higher costs come from its 1.78% transfer tax, which adds $10K 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. Pennsylvania's PHFA Keystone Advantage provides Up to $6,000 DPA, while Washington's WSHFC Home Advantage offers Up to $10,000 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: Pennsylvania homes cost $300K less than Washington on average. That translates to roughly $1,992 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Pennsylvania. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.