Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Georgia and Texas. Updated for 2026.
Georgia wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Texas has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. 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.
The monthly payment difference is $155/month — that’s $1,860/year or $56K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Georgia is the more affordable option based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Based on the 28% debt-to-income rule — your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income.
To afford the median home in Texas, you need a household income of approximately $114K/year. In Georgia, you need $107K/year — less by $7K/year. The $7K difference is meaningful but manageable for dual-income households.
Home prices in Georgia and Texas are relatively close, with only a 9% difference ($30K). 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.
Georgia has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.92% versus Texas's 1.8%. While the rate gap of 0.88% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,452 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $20K in savings.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Georgia ($2,200/year) compared to Texas ($3,800/year). That's an extra $1,600 per year — or $133/month — eating into your budget in Texas. Texas's high insurance costs are often driven by severe weather risks (hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires), which also affect availability of coverage.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Georgia's Georgia Dream Homeownership provides Up to $10,000 DPA, while Texas's TDHCA My First Texas Home offers Up to 5% DPA grant. 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: Georgia and Texas are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $155/month separating them in total PITI payments. In cases like this, your decision should be driven by lifestyle preferences — job opportunities, climate, proximity to family, and quality of life — rather than pure cost savings. Either state offers a reasonable path to homeownership.