Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Utah and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Utah wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Wisconsin has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. 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 $1,026/month ($12,312/year) compared to Utah, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Wisconsin offers meaningfully lower home prices than Utah, with median prices running 42% less ($200K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Utah may find Wisconsin far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Utah charges 0.58% while Wisconsin charges 1.76%, a gap of 1.18 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Wisconsin homeowners pay roughly $4,928 per year in property taxes versus $2,784 in Utah. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Utah's UHC FirstHome Loan provides Up to 6% DPA second, 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 $200K less than Utah on average. That translates to roughly $1,026 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.