FHA vs Conventional 2025

FHA vs Conventional Loan 2026: Which Saves You $50,000+?

Updated January 2, 202622 min read✓ Interactive Calculator
⚠️

75% of First-Time Buyers Choose the WRONG Loan Type

They lose $50,000-$100,000 over 30 years because they don't understand the REAL cost difference. FHA has a lower rate (5.74%) but lifetime mortgage insurance makes it more expensive long-term. Use our calculator below to see which saves YOU money.

FHA Rate
5.74%
Lower rate
Conv Rate
6.19%
Higher rate
FHA Min Down
3.5%
$14K on $400K
Typical Savings
$50K-$100K
Conventional wins

🧮 FHA vs Conventional Calculator

Enter your info to see REAL costs side-by-side. See which loan saves YOU $50K+ over 30 years.

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Good

FHA is always 3.5%

FHA Loan

Down Payment (3.5%):$14,000
Loan Amount:$386,000
Upfront MIP (1.75%):+$6,755
Total Loan:$392,755
Interest Rate:5.74%
Monthly P&I:$2,290
Monthly MIP (0.55%):+$177
Monthly Payment:$2,466
30-Year Total:$887,916

⚠️ MIP is LIFETIME (can't cancel)

Conventional Loan

Down Payment (10%):$40,000
Loan Amount:$360,000
Upfront MIP:$0
Total Loan:$360,000
Interest Rate:6.69%
Monthly P&I:$2,321
Monthly PMI (0.5%):+$150
Monthly Payment:$2,471
30-Year Total:$849,821

✓ PMI drops after 8 years

🏆 THE WINNER: Conventional Saves $38,095!

Monthly Savings: $4/month

30-Year Savings: $38,095

✓ No upfront MIP

✓ PMI cancels at 20% equity

✓ Lower total cost long-term

BUT: Need $26,000 more upfront

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🎯 Which Loan is Right for YOU? (4 Questions)

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Question 1 of 4: What's your credit score?

"Should I get an FHA or conventional loan?" This is the #1 question first-time buyers ask. And 75% get it wrong because they only look at the interest rate (FHA 5.74% vs Conventional 6.19%) and think FHA is cheaper.

The TRUTH: FHA costs $50,000-$100,000 MORE over 30 years despite the lower rate. Why?Lifetime mortgage insurance (1.75% upfront + 0.55-0.80% annually) that NEVER goes away. Conventional PMI cancels at 20% equity, saving you tens of thousands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Sarah Mitchell - Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist

Meet Sarah

Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist

12+ years Experience45+ ArticlesNMLS Licensed

Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.

EXPERTISE:

VA LoansFHA LoansFirst-Time Buyer ProgramsDown Payment Assistance

KEY ACHIEVEMENT:

Helped 2,500+ veterans secure home loans

12+ years
Experience
45+
Articles
NMLS
Licensed
Expert
Certified