Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Minnesota. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Minnesota
Median Home Price
$785K
$335K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
1.12%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$5K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
0.33%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$2,100/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
Minnesota Housing Start Up
Up to $18,000 deferred loan
Verdict
California and Minnesota 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.