Buying in Pennsylvania: what the numbers look like
Pennsylvania sits mid-pack for property taxes — 1.26% average effective rate (14th of 50, national average ≈ 0.94%), which works out to about $3,402 a year on the typical $270,000 home. On the insurance side, Pennsylvania homeowners average about $1,600 a year — a bargain at 40% below the 50-state average.
Put together at an illustrative 6.5% rate (30-year, 20% down), the typical Pennsylvania purchase pencils out near $1,782/month: $1,365 principal & interest + $284 tax + $133 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 Pennsylvania
Rates vary meaningfully by county and school district within Pennsylvania, so treat the 1.26% state average as a starting point and confirm your county's rate with the assessor before locking a budget.
Transfer tax: 1% state realty transfer tax plus typically 1% local (Philadelphia ~3.28% local). Closing costs also include lender, title, and recording fees — typically 2–5% of the price all-in.
Pennsylvania at a glance
| Typical home value (Zillow, 2025) | $270,000 (34th highest) |
| Avg. effective property tax (2023) | 1.26% ≈ $284/mo |
| Avg. home insurance (2025) | $1,600/yr ≈ $133/mo |
| Example payment (typical home, 6.5%, 20% down) | $1,782/mo |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the mortgage payment on a typical Pennsylvania home?
The typical Pennsylvania home runs about $270,000 (Zillow, 2025). With 20% down ($54,000) on a 30-year loan at an illustrative 6.5% rate, the full monthly payment is roughly $1,782 — $1,365 principal & interest, $284 property tax, and $133 insurance. Adjust every input above to match your own price and quote.
What is the property tax rate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's average effective rate is 1.26% of home value — the 14th highest in the nation (Tax Foundation, 2023 data). On the typical $270,000 home that is about $3,402 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 Pennsylvania?
Roughly $1,600 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: New Jersey mortgage calculator · New York mortgage calculator · Ohio mortgage calculator · Maryland 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.