Massachusetts vs Washington: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Massachusetts and Washington. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Massachusetts
Washington
Median Home Price
$595K
$580K
Property Tax Rate
1.2%
0.98%
Avg Closing Costs
$10K
$8K
Closing Cost %
1.6%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.456%
1.78%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,200/yr
$1,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
MassHousing DPA
Up to $50,000 DPA loan
WSHFC Home Advantage
Up to $10,000 DPA
Verdict
Washington wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $580K and lower overall costs, Washington offers meaningful savings compared to Massachusetts. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.