Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Hawaii and Ohio. Updated for 2026.
Hawaii and Ohio are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in Ohio saves you approximately $3,626/month ($43,512/year) compared to Hawaii, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
There's a dramatic price gap between these two states. Homes in Ohio cost 74% less than in Hawaii — that's a difference of $615K on the median home. For buyers relocating from Hawaii to Ohio, this can mean upgrading significantly or pocketing substantial savings. The equity you've built in a Hawaii home could fund a much larger down payment in Ohio, potentially eliminating PMI and reducing your monthly payment dramatically.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Hawaii charges 0.28% while Ohio charges 1.56%, a gap of 1.28 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Ohio homeowners pay roughly $3,354 per year in property taxes versus $2,324 in Hawaii. 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. Hawaii averages $12K in closing costs (1.5% of purchase price) while Ohio averages $3K (1.4%). The difference is spread across title insurance, attorney fees, and recording costs rather than a single large tax. 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. Hawaii's HHFDC Hula Mae Program provides Below-market rate mortgages, while Ohio's OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance offers 2.5% or 5% of purchase price. 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: Ohio homes cost $615K less than Hawaii on average. That translates to roughly $3,626 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Ohio. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.