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How much is homeowners insurance? What people really pay in 2026

Two identical houses can carry home insurance bills that differ by thousands of dollars a year. The address does most of the talking.

Fact-checked against state insurance regulators, the NAIC, FEMA, the Insurance Information Institute and published rate studies Β· Updated November 11, 2026

What you need to know

  • The average homeowners insurance policy costs about $2,151 a year, or $179 a month, for $350,000 of dwelling coverage.
  • State matters more than almost anything: Oklahoma averages about $4,799 a year, Hawaii about $601.
  • Your rebuild cost, deductible, claims history, roof age and (in most states) credit-based insurance score all move the price.
  • Comparing quotes from several insurers is the fastest way to pay less for the same coverage.
In this article

    The numbers at a glance

    • National average: about $2,151 a year ($179 a month)
    • Priciest state: Oklahoma, about $4,799 a year
    • Cheapest state: Hawaii, about $601 a year
    • Benchmark policy: $350,000 dwelling, $100,000 liability, $1,000 deductible

    Averages from ValuePenguin, updated September 25, 2026. Your own price will be different.

    Tudor-style house with a green front lawn
    HOME INSURANCE GUIDE$2,151Average yearly cost of homeowners insurance in 2026

    How much is homeowners insurance for a typical house? Across the country the average sits a little above $2,000 a year, but that single number hides a huge spread from state to state and street to street.

    Here is what the averages look like, why your quote may land far above or below them, and which levers you actually control.

    Average homeowners insurance cost by state: the extremes

    Severe weather, rebuilding costs and local claim history push some states far above the national average. These are the most and least expensive states in the 2026 data.

    StateAverage per yearAverage per month
    Oklahoma$4,799$400
    Nebraska$4,370$364
    Kansas$3,856$321
    National average$2,151$179
    Maine$977$81
    Vermont$929$77
    Hawaii$601$50
    Why the Plains cost so much

    Hail and tornadoes hit Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas hard, so roof claims are frequent and expensive. Hawaii looks cheap partly because hurricane and flood coverage are often bought separately there.

    What goes into your homeowners insurance quote

    • βœ“ Rebuild cost. Insurers price the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. A bigger or custom-built house costs more to insure.
    • βœ“ Location. Weather risk, wildfire exposure, distance to a fire station and local theft rates all count.
    • βœ“ Roof age and material. An old roof can raise your rate or limit roof claims to depreciated value.
    • βœ“ Deductible. Raising it from $1,000 to $2,500 lowers the premium but means paying more yourself after a loss.
    • βœ“ Claims history. Past claims on you or the property can follow you for up to seven years.
    • βœ“ Credit-based insurance score. Used in most states, though a few, such as California, Maryland and Massachusetts, ban or limit it.

    Compare home insurance quotes

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    Monthly vs yearly: how you will actually pay

    Most people with a mortgage never write a check to their insurer. The lender collects about one-twelfth of the yearly premium with each mortgage payment and pays the bill from an escrow account.

    $179average monthly cost
    $2,151average yearly cost
    12escrow installments most lenders collect

    If you own your home outright, you can usually pay once a year or in installments. Paying in full sometimes earns a small discount.

    See home insurance prices where you live

    Rates change from one ZIP code to the next. Add yours to see homeowners insurance options available where you live, with no commitment.

    Is your quote too high? A quick sense check

    Ask the insurer or agent about these first:

    Then compare at least three quotes for the same coverage. Our guide to cheap homeowners insurance covers 11 ways to bring the price down without losing protection.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much is homeowners insurance per month?

    The 2026 average works out to about $179 a month for a policy with $350,000 of dwelling coverage. Your cost depends on your state, home and coverage choices.

    Why did my homeowners insurance go up?

    Common reasons include higher rebuilding costs, more severe weather claims in your area, a recent claim, or an aging roof. Ask your insurer which factor changed.

    Is homeowners insurance required?

    No state law requires it, but nearly every mortgage lender does. If you own the home outright, it is your choice, though going without it is a big financial risk.

    Does a higher deductible really save money?

    Usually, yes. A higher deductible lowers the premium, but make sure you could pay that amount from savings after a loss.

    See home insurance options for your address

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