Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between New Jersey and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Metric
New Jersey
Wisconsin
Median Home Price
$505K
$280K
Property Tax Rate
2.47%
1.76%
Avg Closing Costs
$10K
$4K
Closing Cost %
2.0%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
1%
0.3%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,500/yr
$1,300/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
NJHMFA DPA Program
Up to $15,000 forgivable
WHEDA First-Time Advantage
Up to $3,050 Easy Close grant
Verdict
Wisconsin wins 6 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $280K and lower overall costs, Wisconsin offers meaningful savings compared to New Jersey. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.