Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Texas and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Texas 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 Texas saves you approximately $1,463/month ($17,556/year) compared to Washington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Texas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Washington, with median prices running 47% less ($270K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Washington may find Texas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Washington has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.98% versus Texas's 1.8%. While the rate gap of 0.82% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $104 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $832 in savings.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Washington ($1,600/year) compared to Texas ($3,800/year). That's an extra $2,200 per year — or $183/month — eating into your budget in Texas. Texas's high insurance costs are often driven by severe weather risks (hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires), which also affect availability of coverage.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Texas's TDHCA My First Texas Home provides Up to 5% DPA grant, 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: Texas homes cost $270K less than Washington on average. That translates to roughly $1,463 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Texas. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.