Peterson Sorenson
Hidden homeownership costs can quietly pile on thousands of dollars a year, often without homeowners realizing it. These stealthy expenses include utilities, insurance, maintenance, and taxes that aren’t in the listing price but weigh heavily on your wallet over time. Here’s a look at five states with the highest and five with the lowest hidden ownership costs. These differences could tip your budget more than you think.
Hawaii
Topping the charts at $34,573 a year, Hawaii’s hidden costs are in a league of their own. Electricity alone costs more than twice the national average. Add steep insurance and property taxes, and island living quickly turns from a dream to a financial drain.
California
The Golden State demands golden pockets—Californians spend roughly $32,262 annually just on hidden home costs. Between wildfire-zone insurance, sky-high energy bills, and inflated taxes, owning a home here means budgeting far beyond the listing price. Sunshine’s nice, but it sure isn’t free.
New Jersey
It’s no surprise that New Jersey racks up $29,751 per year in hidden ownership costs. With the highest property taxes nationwide and steep upkeep expenses, homeowners here absorb serious long-term bills. The views may be charming, but they don’t come cheap.
Connecticut
Expect to pay around $23,515 yearly in hidden costs across Connecticut. Long winters boost utility usage, and suburban property taxes often climb fast. Add pricey insurance and maintenance in older homes, and you’ve got a New England lifestyle that costs more than expected.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts lands at $29,277 in annual under-the-radar expenses. Utilities bite harder in colder months, and Boston-area taxes and insurance push the price even higher. Owning here means paying premium rates for aged infrastructure and location, not just the square footage.
Hidden homeownership costs can vary wildly depending on where you live. After looking at the five states where these expenses run highest, let’s flip the script and explore the places where hidden costs stay refreshingly low.
West Virginia
West Virginia homeowners face some of the lowest hidden housing costs in the country, totaling around $12,579 each year. Utility expenses average $3,500, insurance comes to about $1,770, and property taxes stay under $1,063—offering serious relief compared to many high-cost coastal states.
Mississippi
Mississippi homeowners enjoy some of the nation’s most affordable hidden costs, averaging $14,810. Utility bills come in at $2,263, while maintenance stays at $4,850. Moreover, low energy rates and minimal insurance premiums help keep overall expenses manageable.
Iowa
Homeowners in Iowa typically face about $15,737 in hidden expenses. What makes it easier? Lower property taxes—roughly $2,800—combined with insurance close to $2,067 and manageable maintenance costs estimated at $4,596, especially outside the cities.
Indiana
Indiana keeps annual hidden homeownership costs manageable at around $14,903. Property taxes and utilities are in line with national averages, and moderate insurance premiums help balance the budget. Even with some maintenance needs in older homes, most residents find Indiana’s overall housing costs refreshingly reasonable.
Missouri
At $15,349 in yearly hidden costs, Missouri remains relatively budget-friendly. Affordable utilities and accessible service providers make up for slightly higher repair and insurance needs. Many households, especially outside major cities, find the lower cost of living well worth the occasional seasonal expenses.
