Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Vermont and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Vermont wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $380K and lower overall costs, Vermont 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.
Buying in Vermont saves you approximately $1,126/month ($13,512/year) compared to Washington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Vermont offers meaningfully lower home prices than Washington, with median prices running 34% less ($200K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Washington may find Vermont far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Washington has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.98% versus Vermont's 1.9%. While the rate gap of 0.92% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,536 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $12K in savings.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Vermont's VHFA MOVE Mortgage provides $5K–$15K 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: Vermont homes cost $200K less than Washington on average. That translates to roughly $1,126 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Vermont. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.