Closing Cost Calculators for 11 US Cities

Government taxes at closing range from zero in Texas to tens of thousands of dollars in New York City.

Last updated: 10/18/2026 · Written by Sadaf Azeem

Lender fees and title insurance exist everywhere, but government taxes at closing vary more than any other cost. Texas has no transfer tax at all. Georgia and Massachusetts charge small ones. Washington's REET is graduated. Chicago stacks four taxes. DC charges recordation and transfer taxes of 1.1% to 1.45% each. New York City adds the mansion tax, mortgage recording tax and two transfer taxes.

How closing cost calculators compare across the 11 cities

CityGov't taxes, $500k purchase (buyer + seller)What is different there
New York City$14,200New York City has some of the highest closing taxes in the country.
San Francisco$3,400San Francisco's transfer tax applies one rate to the whole price based on price tiers, from $2.50 per $500 up to $30 per $500 at $25 million and above.
Los Angeles$2,800Sales in the City of Los Angeles pay a city transfer tax of 0.45% and an LA County tax of 0.11%.
Houston$0Texas has no real estate transfer tax, so Houston closing costs are mostly lender fees, title insurance (whose premiums are set by the Texas Department of Insurance) and escrow.
Dallas$0Texas has no transfer tax, so Dallas closing costs are driven by lender charges, title insurance at state-promulgated rates, and escrow for taxes and insurance.
Chicago$4,500Chicago stacks four transfer taxes: the city's $3.75 per $500 paid by the buyer, the CTA portion of $1.50 per $500 paid by the seller, and Cook County ($0.25) and Illinois ($0.50) per $500, customarily paid by the seller.
Miami$5,200Florida charges documentary stamp tax on deeds and mortgages.
Atlanta$1,700Georgia's transfer tax is only $1 per $1,000 of price (0.1%), usually paid by the seller.
Boston$2,280Massachusetts charges a deeds excise of $4.56 per $1,000 of price, customarily paid by the seller.
Seattle$8,000Washington's real estate excise tax (REET) is graduated: 1.1% up to $525,000, 1.28% to $1,525,000, 2.75% to $3,025,000 and 3% above for 2023–2026, plus Seattle's 0.5% local REET.
Washington DC$14,500DC charges a recordation tax, customarily paid by the buyer, and a transfer tax, customarily paid by the seller — each 1.1% under $400,000 and 1.45% at $400,000 and above.

$500,000 price, 20% down; government transfer, recording and mortgage taxes only.

Who pays what

Local custom decides whether the buyer or seller pays each tax: buyers pay NYC's mansion tax, Chicago's city tax and DC's recordation tax; sellers usually pay NYC and state transfer taxes, San Francisco and LA transfer taxes including Measure ULA, Washington REET, Massachusetts deeds excise and Florida deed stamps. Contracts can change this.

Plan the cash

Cash to close includes the down payment, closing costs and prepaid escrow. Each calculator separates them.

Choose your city

Frequently asked questions

Where are closing taxes highest?

New York City, especially above $1 million.

Where are they lowest?

Houston and Dallas, since Texas has no transfer tax.

Can the seller pay my costs?

Seller credits are negotiable within loan limits.