Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between California and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Metric
California
Wisconsin
Median Home Price
$785K
$280K
Property Tax Rate
0.73%
1.76%
Avg Closing Costs
$9K
$4K
Closing Cost %
1.2%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.11%
0.3%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$1,300/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
CalHFA Dream For All
Up to 20% shared appreciation loan
WHEDA First-Time Advantage
Up to $3,050 Easy Close grant
Verdict
California and Wisconsin 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.