This State Surpassed New York as the Most Expensive State for Homeowners in the U.S.
It's no secret that being a homeowner can be expensive. From unexpected costs to routine maintenance, property owners can face hefty bills. However, a new report says that homeowners living in one state in particular may be paying more than almost anyone else in the country.
That's because Kiplinger has just named the most expensive state in the U.S., and it's not New York or California. Think you know which state is hitting homeowners in the pocketbook the hardest? Keep reading to find out if you're right.
New Jersey Named the Most Expensive State for Homeowners
You'll need to have pretty deep pockets to own a home in New Jersey, according to the 2026 report. That's because the Garden State has the highest effective tax rate in the country, with a median property tax of $9,358.
It sounds like higher-than-average home values play a role, since the taxes are calculated based on those figures. And while knowing your home is worth a pretty penny could offset some of the sting of those high taxes, it's likely that some people still feel the pain when their tax bills come due.
Some of the other states that made the list include:
- Washtingon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- California
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Connecticut
- New Hampshire
How to Save Money on Your Real Estate Taxes
Whether you live in New Jersey or are simply looking to cut costs wherever you can, there are actually a few ways you can try to lower your real estate bill, according to Investopedia. And while these tips will vary from state to state, it's worth checking whether any of them would work in your town.
First, you can request your property tax card from your tax assessor's office to see what they are basing your taxes on. Some of the items you can expect to find on this card include your lot size, number of rooms, your home's dimensions, and even the types of fixtures you have in your house. If you notice anything is off, you can ask your assessor to make an update to see if that will lower your tax bill.
After that's done and your property information is updated, you may want to check whether you are eligible for any property tax exemptions. Some places offer help reducing your tax burden if you or your property meet certain criteria. That can include discounts for older adults, agricultural properties, and even homestead exemptions.
Lastly, if you still believe that your taxes are higher than they should be, you may want to file an appeal with your assessor to see if you can get them lowered that way. This may come with a filing fee, so you'll want to do your research ahead of time to make sure you'll actually save money in the long run if you decide to go this route.
Of course, it is worth remembering that while you may think your real estate taxes should be lower, there's always the chance that the assessor could come back with a proposed increase instead, so be sure to do plenty of research before following these steps.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 9:27 AM.