These Are the 10 Most Expensive States to Be a Homeowner in the U.S., According to a New Report Where do homeowners spend the most? The usual suspects like California, New York, and New Jersey ranked high on the list.

By Madeline Garfinkle

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Homeownership comes with a lot of perks — and costs. However, the financial weight of owning a home varies from region to region, with some homeowners spending almost 30% of the state's median income on annual homeownership costs such as maintenance, utilities, and insurance, a new study found.

But which states are the most expensive to be a homeowner?

According to a new report by the New Jersey Real Estate Network, a real estate platform, California is the most expensive state to be a homeowner, with an annual cost of $24,252 — marking 28.84% of the state's median income of $84,097.

California is also home to some of the most pricey zip codes in the U.S. According to a report from U.S. World News, of the top 10 most expensive cities to live in America, seven are in California, with San Diego and Los Angeles taking the first and second spots, respectively.

As for the most expensive states, New York came in at No. 2, where homeowners spend $18,636 a year on housing costs (28.8% of the state's median income), and New Jersey, with an annual homeowner spend of $22,200 (24.75% of the state's median income).

The report was compiled by taking census data and using it to compare annual average housing costs in relation to states' median income.

Here are the top 10 most expensive states to own a home, according to the New Jersey Real Estate Network.

Related: The Average Homeowner Became 40 Times Wealthier Than Renters Over The Past 10 Years

1. California

Annual homeowner costs: $24,252

Percent of state median income: 28.84%

2. New York

Annual homeowner costs: $18,636

Percent of state median income: 28.8%

3. New Jersey

Annual homeowner costs: $22,200

Percent of state median income: 24.75%

4. Hawaii

Annual homeowner costs: $21,732

Percent of state median income: 24.69%

5. Connecticut

Annual homeowner costs: $20,460

Percent of state median income: 24.48%

6. Massachusetts

Annual homeowner costs: $21,528

Percent of state median income: 24.18%

7. Rhode Island

Annual homeowner costs: $17,556

Percent of state median income: 23.57%

8. Oregon

Annual homeowner costs: $16,008

Percent of state median income: 22.84%

9. Washington

Annual homeowner costs: $18,816

Percent of state median income: 22.83%

10. Nevada

Annual homeowner costs: $14,784

Percent of state median income: 22.51%

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

Why Do Employees Resist New Ideas? How to Spot Hostility Towards Change (and Overcome It)

Say the word change, and people will go running for cover. If you pay attention, you can spot resistance to change and take three simple steps to get ahead of it.

Business News

Fans of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog Combo Are In for a Big Surprise

Costco CEO Ron Vachris announced a change that's coming soon to the company's food courts.

Living

9 Ways to Attract Good Energy Today and Every Day

Good energy can boost our feelings of well-being, dissolve feelings of anxiety and improve communication.