Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Nebraska. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Nebraska
Median Home Price
$785K
$245K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
1.73%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$3K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.3%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
0.23%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$2,800/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
NIFA Homebuyer Assistance
Up to 5% DPA
Verdict
California wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Nebraska has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.