Buying in Massachusetts: what the numbers look like
Massachusetts sits mid-pack for property taxes — 1.04% average effective rate (17th of 50, national average ≈ 0.94%), which works out to about $6,656 a year on the typical $640,000 home. On the insurance side, Massachusetts homeowners average about $2,000 a year — a bargain at 25% below the 50-state average.
Put together at an illustrative 6.5% rate (30-year, 20% down), the typical Massachusetts purchase pencils out near $3,958/month: $3,236 principal & interest + $555 tax + $167 insurance. That's the number the calculator above starts from — swap in your real price, rate quote, and county figures to make it yours.
Property taxes & closing costs in Massachusetts
Rates vary meaningfully by county and school district within Massachusetts, so treat the 1.04% state average as a starting point and confirm your county's rate with the assessor before locking a budget.
Transfer tax: Deed excise of $4.56 per $1,000 (0.456%) statewide. Closing costs also include lender, title, and recording fees — typically 2–5% of the price all-in.
Massachusetts at a glance
| Typical home value (Zillow, 2025) | $640,000 (3rd highest) |
| Avg. effective property tax (2023) | 1.04% ≈ $555/mo |
| Avg. home insurance (2025) | $2,000/yr ≈ $167/mo |
| Example payment (typical home, 6.5%, 20% down) | $3,958/mo |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the mortgage payment on a typical Massachusetts home?
The typical Massachusetts home runs about $640,000 (Zillow, 2025). With 20% down ($128,000) on a 30-year loan at an illustrative 6.5% rate, the full monthly payment is roughly $3,958 — $3,236 principal & interest, $555 property tax, and $167 insurance. Adjust every input above to match your own price and quote.
What is the property tax rate in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's average effective rate is 1.04% of home value — the 17th highest in the nation (Tax Foundation, 2023 data). On the typical $640,000 home that is about $6,656 per year. Actual rates vary by county and city, so verify the figure for your specific address with the county assessor.
How much is homeowners insurance in Massachusetts?
Roughly $2,000 per year on average for $300k of dwelling coverage (Bankrate, 2025) — below the 50-state average of $2,682. Your premium depends on the home’s age, construction, claims history, and coverage limits, so quote several insurers.
Nearby states & more tools
Compare: Connecticut mortgage calculator · Rhode Island mortgage calculator · New Hampshire mortgage calculator · New York mortgage calculator — or see all 50 states compared.
Not sure of your price range? Start with the home affordability calculator, then fine-tune here. The full mortgage calculator has extra payments and PMI controls too.
Data & sources: Property tax — Effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing, calendar year 2023 (Tax Foundation analysis of Census ACS data, published 2025). Home value — Typical home value, Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), 2025, rounded to the nearest $5,000. Insurance — Average annual homeowners insurance premium for $300k dwelling coverage (Bankrate/Quadrant 2025), rounded to the nearest $50. State-level figures are planning defaults, not quotes: property taxes vary by county and city, insurance varies by home and insurer, and home values move monthly. Every value prefills the calculator but remains editable. The 6.5% rate is illustrative, not an offer or a prediction — always enter a real quote.
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only — not financial advice. See our Terms of Use.