Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Utah and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Utah wins 6 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $480K and lower overall costs, Utah offers meaningful savings compared to Washington. 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.
The monthly payment difference is $881/month — that’s $10,572/year or $317K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Utah is the more affordable option based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Based on the 28% debt-to-income rule — your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income.
To afford the median home in Washington, you need a household income of approximately $177K/year. In Utah, you need $139K/year — less by $38K/year. That $38K income gap means Utah is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Home prices in Utah and Washington are relatively close, with only a 17% difference ($100K). At similar price points, your decision should focus on the other cost factors: property taxes, insurance, closing costs, and the overall quality of life each state offers. Small percentage differences in tax rates compound over decades of homeownership.
Utah has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.58% versus Washington's 0.98%. While the rate gap of 0.40% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,900 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $23K in savings.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Utah's UHC FirstHome Loan provides Up to 6% DPA second, 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: Utah and Washington are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $881/month separating them in total PITI payments. In cases like this, your decision should be driven by lifestyle preferences — job opportunities, climate, proximity to family, and quality of life — rather than pure cost savings. Either state offers a reasonable path to homeownership.