Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Kentucky. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Kentucky
Median Home Price
$785K
$210K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
0.83%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$3K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
0.1%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$2,400/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
KHC Regular DAP
Up to $6,000 repayable loan
Verdict
California and Kentucky are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.