Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Kansas and Tennessee. Updated for 2026.
Kansas wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $225K and lower overall costs, Kansas offers meaningful savings compared to Tennessee. 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 Kansas saves you approximately $550/month ($6,600/year) compared to Tennessee, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Kansas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Tennessee, with median prices running 34% less ($115K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Tennessee may find Kansas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Tennessee has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus Kansas's 1.41%. While the rate gap of 0.85% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,268 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $10K in savings.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Kansas's KHRC First-Time Homebuyer provides Up to 4% DPA, 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: Kansas homes cost $115K less than Tennessee on average. That translates to roughly $550 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Kansas. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.