Maryland vs Pennsylvania: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maryland and Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Median Home Price
$420K
$280K
Property Tax Rate
1.09%
1.36%
Avg Closing Costs
$11K
$5K
Closing Cost %
2.5%
1.7%
Transfer Tax
1.5%
2%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,700/yr
$1,400/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
MD Mortgage Program
Up to $25,000 DPA
PHFA Keystone Advantage
Up to $6,000 DPA
Verdict
Pennsylvania wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $280K and lower overall costs, Pennsylvania offers meaningful savings compared to Maryland. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.