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NEW YORK – July 19, 2011 – Nationwide, the average origination and title fees on a $200,000 mortgage total $4,070, which is 8.8 percent higher than a year ago, according to Bankrate.com’s 2011 Closing Costs Survey.

New York leads the nation with an average fee of $6,183. Texas, Utah, San Francisco and Idaho round out the five most expensive areas. Arkansas is the least expensive area, with an average fee of $3,378.

Florida ranked 12th nationally in 2011 – the same rank it held in Bankrate.com’s 2010 survey. On average, origination costs $1,445, and title and closing costs run $2,973 for a total of $4,418.

“Interest rates get a lot of attention, and rightfully so, but it’s also important for consumers to compare lender fees when shopping for a loan,” says Greg McBride, senior financial analyst for Bankrate Inc.

According to Bankrate.com, most of the closing cost increases are tied to fees charged directly by lenders. On average, lenders charged about $1,614 in origination fees this year, up 10.3 percent from last year. Origination fees include lender charges for services such as underwriting and processing. Costs include fees charged by lenders, as well as third-party fees for services such as appraisals and title insurance. The survey excludes taxes, property insurance, association fees, interest and other prepaid items.

10 most expensive states for closing costs
1. New York, $6,183
2. Texas, $4,944
3. Utah, $4,906
4. California/San Francisco, $4,832
5. Idaho, $4,643
6. California/Los Angeles, $4,624
7/8. Oklahoma, $4,589
7/8. New Jersey, $4,589
9. Pennsylvania, $4,522
10. Hawaii, $4,521

10 states with least expensive closing costs
43. South Dakota, $3,682
44. Montana, $3,657
45. Kentucky, $3,627
46. New Hampshire, $3,591
47. Missouri, $3,524
48. Alabama, $3,501
49. Iowa, $3,474
50. Indiana, $3,430
51. North Carolina, $3,410
52. Arkansas, $3,378