Buying a Home: Minnesota vs Wisconsin (2026 Comparison)

# Buying a Home: Minnesota vs Wisconsin (2026 Comparison) Considering a move? This detailed comparison of Minnesota and Wisconsin real estate markets will help you decide which state offers the best value for your home purchase in 2026. ## Quick Comparison | Factor | Minnesota | Wisconsin | |--------|------------|------------| | Median Home Price | $305,500 | $247,400 | | Property Tax Rate | 1.04% | 1.51% | | Annual Property Tax | $3,184 | $3,746 | | Closing Costs | $3,492 | $2,741 | | FHA Limit (Floor) | $524,225 | $524,225 | | Days on Market | 28 | 28 | | 1-Year Price Change | +4.00% | +5.20% | | DPA Programs | 3 | 3 | ## Home Prices **Wisconsin is more affordable** with a median home price $58,100 lower than Minnesota. At current rates (6.33%), here's what your monthly payment would look like at median prices: | State | Home Price | Est. Monthly P&I | |-------|------------|------------------| | Minnesota | $305,500 | $1,518 | | Wisconsin | $247,400 | $1,229 | *Assumes 20% down payment, 30-year fixed mortgage* ## Property Taxes **Minnesota has lower property taxes** at 1.04% vs Wisconsin's 1.51%. - Minnesota ranks #20 nationally - Wisconsin ranks #8 nationally ## Closing Costs | State | Average Closing Costs | % of Price | |-------|----------------------|------------| | Minnesota | $3,492 | 0.91% | | Wisconsin | $2,741 | 0.76% | ## Down Payment Assistance ### Minnesota (Minnesota Housing) - **Start Up Program:** Up to 5% of loan amount - **Step Up Program:** Up to $18,000 ### Wisconsin (WHEDA) - **WHEDA Capital Access:** Up to 6% of purchase price - **WHEDA Easy Close Advantage:** Up to $3,500 ## Market Conditions ### Minnesota - Inventory: low - Market Type: Seller's Market - Price Trend: Rising ### Wisconsin - Inventory: low - Market Type: Seller's Market - Price Trend: Rising ## Total Cost of Homeownership Over 5 years at median home prices: | Cost | Minnesota | Wisconsin | |------|------------|------------| | Mortgage (P&I) | $91,053 | $73,737 | | Property Taxes | $15,920 | $18,730 | | **5-Year Total** | **$106,973** | **$92,467** | ## Conclusion **Wisconsin offers better overall value** when considering home prices, taxes, and closing costs. Use our state-specific calculators to get detailed estimates for your situation: - [Minnesota Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/minnesota) - [Wisconsin Mortgage Calculator](/mortgage-calculator/wisconsin) --- *Data sources: Tax Foundation, Zillow, HUD. Last updated: February 2026.*