Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Alabama and New Jersey. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Alabama
New Jersey
Median Home Price
$230K
$505K
Property Tax Rate
0.41%
2.47%
Avg Closing Costs
$3K
$10K
Closing Cost %
1.4%
2.0%
Transfer Tax
None
1%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,950/yr
$1,500/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
Alabama Housing Finance Authority Step Up
Up to $10,000 DPA
NJHMFA DPA Program
Up to $15,000 forgivable
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 New Jersey. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.