Hidden Home Costs Reach $16,566 a Year

A Zillow and Thumbtack analysis finds U.S. homeowners face an average of $1,380 per month in costs beyond the mortgage.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Home Repair

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Hidden homeownership costs for the typical U.S. homeowner total $16,566 per year, about $1,380 per month, according to a Zillow and Thumbtack analysis of maintenance, property taxes and homeowners insurance. Insurance premiums have risen 54% and maintenance costs 32% over the past five years.

Why it matters

The figures show that the ongoing expense of owning a home can rise sharply beyond the purchase price, affecting household budgets across the country. Severe weather is driving insurance increases in storm-prone metros, while maintenance costs have been shaped by wildfire recovery and labor expenses in Los Angeles.

The typical U.S. homeowner pays $11,171 per year in maintenance, $2,266 for insurance and $3,129 in property taxes, totaling $16,566. Yearly maintenance cost increases slowed from 9% in 2022 to 1% in 2026, while insurance premiums rose only 0.3% between February and June 2026.

The players

Zillow

Zillow is a major online real estate marketplace that publishes housing market data and analysis for buyers, sellers and homeowners.

Thumbtack

Thumbtack is an online platform that connects consumers with local home service professionals, providing data on home repair and maintenance demand.

The details

The analysis highlights New York as the metro with the highest total hidden costs at $25,111, with San Francisco second, while Dallas saw the largest insurance premium increase and Phoenix the lowest total costs. Los Angeles recorded the sharpest maintenance cost surge, tied to wildfire-related recovery, strong demand for home services and elevated labor costs.

Maintenance cost increases fell from 9% in 2022 to 1% in 2026.
Insurance premiums rose 0.3% between February and June 2026, per federal data.
Insurance premiums have risen 54% over the past five years.

Market Landscape

The Zillow and Thumbtack analysis tracks a five-year climb in homeowner costs, with maintenance rising 32% and insurance 54%. The slowdown in maintenance inflation from 9% in 2022 to 1% in 2026 marks a departure from that trend.

A homeowner budgeting for the typical $16,566 in annual hidden costs should plan roughly $1,380 per month beyond the mortgage. Insurance premium growth may continue to pressure budgets even as maintenance inflation cools.

The takeaway

Homeowners who track maintenance, insurance and property tax costs together get a clearer picture of true ownership expenses. Building those costs into a monthly budget helps avoid surprises when repairs or premium increases arrive.