Zillow: Hidden costs of US homeownership rise 32% in five years
ZG•Zillow and Thumbtack’s analysis found typical annual U.S. homeownership costs beyond mortgage payments reached $16,566, up 31.7% in five years. Insurance rose 54% to $2,266 annually, while maintenance cost $11,171 and property taxes totaled $3,129.
1. Costs beyond mortgages
Zillow and Thumbtack’s Oct. 22 analysis puts typical annual U.S. homeownership costs beyond mortgage payments at $16,566, up 2.8% over the past year and 31.7% over five years. Homeowners insurance was the fastest-rising expense, climbing 54% over five years to $2,266 annually. Maintenance remained the largest expense at $11,171, and property taxes totaled $3,129. Annual maintenance cost growth slowed to 1% in 2026 from 9% in 2022.
