Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Connecticut and Tennessee. Updated for 2026.
Tennessee wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $340K and lower overall costs, Tennessee offers meaningful savings compared to Connecticut. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in Tennessee saves you approximately $936/month ($11,232/year) compared to Connecticut, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Home prices in Connecticut and Tennessee are relatively close, with only a 16% difference ($65K). At similar price points, your decision should focus on the other cost factors: property taxes, insurance, closing costs, and the overall quality of life each state offers. Small percentage differences in tax rates compound over decades of homeownership.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Tennessee charges 0.56% while Connecticut charges 2.15%, a gap of 1.59 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Connecticut homeowners pay roughly $8,708 per year in property taxes versus $1,904 in Tennessee. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Connecticut averages $9K in closing costs (2.1% of purchase price) while Tennessee averages $5K (1.5%). Much of Connecticut's higher costs come from its 1.25% transfer tax, which adds $5K to the median home purchase. Budget for these upfront costs — they affect how much cash you need on hand at closing.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Connecticut's CHFA Homebuyer Mortgage provides Up to $20,000 DAP loan, while Tennessee's THDA Great Choice Home Loan offers Up to $25,000 DPA. These programs can significantly reduce your upfront costs and make homeownership accessible even if you haven't saved a full 20% down payment. Check eligibility requirements on each state's housing finance agency website — income limits and purchase price caps apply.
The bottom line: property taxes are the defining difference here. Connecticut's 2.15% rate versus Tennessee's 0.56% means Tennessee homeowners save approximately $6,804 every year on taxes alone. Over a 30-year mortgage, that difference compounds into tens of thousands of dollars — making it the most important cost factor in this comparison.