Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Alabama and California. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Alabama
California
Median Home Price
$230K
$785K
Property Tax Rate
0.41%
0.73%
Avg Closing Costs
$3K
$9K
Closing Cost %
1.4%
1.2%
Transfer Tax
None
0.11%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,950/yr
$2,200/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
Alabama Housing Finance Authority Step Up
Up to $10,000 DPA
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
Verdict
Alabama wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $230K and lower overall costs, Alabama offers meaningful savings compared to California. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.