Massachusetts vs North Carolina: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Massachusetts and North Carolina. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Massachusetts
North Carolina
Median Home Price
$595K
$340K
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
0.78%
Avg Closing Costs
$10K
$5K
Closing Cost %
1.6%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.456%
0.2%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$2,300/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
MassHousing DPA
Up to $50,000 DPA loan
NC Home Advantage Mortgage
Up to 5% DPA
Verdict
North Carolina wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $340K and lower overall costs, North Carolina offers meaningful savings compared to Massachusetts. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.