Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Maryland 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 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 Tennessee saves you approximately $650/month ($7,800/year) compared to Maryland, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Home prices in Maryland and Tennessee are relatively close, with only a 19% difference ($80K). 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.
Tennessee has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus Maryland's 1.09%. While the rate gap of 0.53% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,674 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $21K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Maryland at $1,700/year versus $2,400/year in Tennessee, a difference of $700 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $7K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Maryland averages $11K in closing costs (2.5% of purchase price) while Tennessee averages $5K (1.5%). 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 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: Maryland and Tennessee are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $650/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.