Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maryland and Ohio. Updated for 2026.
Ohio wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $215K and lower overall costs, Ohio offers meaningful savings compared to Maryland. 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 Ohio saves you approximately $1,370/month ($16,440/year) compared to Maryland, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Ohio offers meaningfully lower home prices than Maryland, with median prices running 49% less ($205K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Maryland may find Ohio far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Maryland has a moderate property tax advantage at 1.09% versus Ohio's 1.56%. While the rate gap of 0.47% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,224 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.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Maryland averages $11K in closing costs (2.5% of purchase price) while Ohio averages $3K (1.4%). Much of Maryland's higher costs come from its 1.5% transfer tax, which adds $6K 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. Maryland's MD Mortgage Program provides Up to $25,000 DPA, 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 $205K less than Maryland on average. That translates to roughly $1,370 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.