Average Real Estate Commission by State
National average total commission is 5.70% (2.88% listing side + 2.82% buyer side). Rates below are state averages for planning, not fixed prices; every rate is negotiable.
| State | Total | Listing side | Buyer side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 5.96% | 2.96% | 3.00% |
| Alaska | 5.51% | 2.73% | 2.78% |
| Arizona | 5.82% | 2.90% | 2.92% |
| Arkansas | 5.66% | 2.82% | 2.84% |
| California | 5.47% | 2.73% | 2.74% |
| Colorado | 5.71% | 2.98% | 2.73% |
| Connecticut | 5.57% | 2.90% | 2.67% |
| Delaware | 5.66% | 2.82% | 2.84% |
| Florida | 5.57% | 2.75% | 2.82% |
| Georgia | 5.66% | 2.80% | 2.86% |
| Hawaii | 5.51% | 2.73% | 2.78% |
| Idaho | 5.71% | 2.98% | 2.73% |
| Illinois | 5.53% | 2.81% | 2.72% |
| Indiana | 5.50% | 2.65% | 2.85% |
| Iowa | 5.84% | 2.96% | 2.88% |
| Kansas | 5.84% | 2.96% | 2.88% |
| Kentucky | 5.66% | 2.82% | 2.84% |
| Louisiana | 5.66% | 2.82% | 2.84% |
| Maine | 5.57% | 2.90% | 2.67% |
| Maryland | 5.41% | 2.77% | 2.64% |
| Massachusetts | 5.57% | 2.90% | 2.67% |
| Michigan | 6.20% | 3.09% | 3.11% |
| Minnesota | 5.84% | 2.96% | 2.88% |
| Mississippi | 5.66% | 2.82% | 2.84% |
| Missouri | 5.94% | 2.96% | 2.98% |
| Montana | 5.71% | 2.98% | 2.73% |
| Nebraska | 5.84% | 2.96% | 2.88% |
| Nevada | 5.71% | 2.98% | 2.73% |
| New Hampshire | 5.57% | 2.90% | 2.67% |
| New Jersey | 5.20% | 2.70% | 2.50% |
| New Mexico | 5.82% | 2.90% | 2.92% |
| New York | 5.69% | 2.93% | 2.76% |
| North Carolina | 5.53% | 2.80% | 2.73% |
| North Dakota | 5.84% | 2.96% | 2.88% |
| Ohio | 5.90% | 3.10% | 2.80% |
| Oklahoma | 5.82% | 2.90% | 2.92% |
| Oregon | 5.51% | 2.73% | 2.78% |
| Pennsylvania | 5.77% | 2.97% | 2.80% |
| Rhode Island | 5.57% | 2.90% | 2.67% |
| South Carolina | 5.88% | 2.91% | 2.97% |
| South Dakota | 5.84% | 2.96% | 2.88% |
| Tennessee | 6.05% | 2.95% | 3.10% |
| Texas | 5.88% | 2.93% | 2.95% |
| Utah | 5.71% | 2.98% | 2.73% |
| Vermont | 5.57% | 2.90% | 2.67% |
| Virginia | 5.50% | 2.75% | 2.75% |
| Washington | 5.90% | 2.75% | 3.15% |
| Washington DC | 4.50% | 2.00% | 2.50% |
| West Virginia | 5.66% | 2.82% | 2.84% |
| Wisconsin | 5.84% | 2.96% | 2.88% |
| Wyoming | 5.71% | 2.98% | 2.73% |
Why rates vary by state
Commission rates aren't set nationally or by any single rule. They reflect local market norms, competition among agents and brokerages, and how much negotiating happens in each state. The table above uses averages from a February 2026 survey of 533 real estate agents across the US (Clever Real Estate, supplemented by Zillow and St. Louis Fed market data). Rates range from 4.50% in Washington DC to 6.20% in Michigan.
These are averages, not prices
An average commission rate tells you what similar sellers are typically paying in your state, not what you're required to pay. Every commission is a negotiated agreement between you and your agent, and since the 2024 NAR settlement, a separate negotiation covers whatever compensation is offered to a buyer's agent. Use these numbers as a starting point for your own conversation, not a fixed number to accept.
Frequently asked questions
- Which state has the highest real estate commission?
- Michigan has the highest average total commission at 6.20%, per the February 2026 survey. Tennessee (6.05%) and Alabama (5.96%) are close behind.
- Which state has the lowest real estate commission?
- Washington DC has the lowest average at 4.50%, followed by New Jersey (5.20%) and Maryland (5.41%).
- Do commission rates differ by city, not just state?
- Yes, these are statewide averages. Rates can vary within a state by metro area, price range, and how competitive the local agent market is, so treat these as a starting benchmark rather than an exact local number.