Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Massachusetts and Texas. Updated for 2026.
Massachusetts and Texas 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 Texas saves you approximately $1,725/month ($20,700/year) compared to Massachusetts, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Texas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Massachusetts, with median prices running 48% less ($285K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Massachusetts may find Texas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Massachusetts has a moderate property tax advantage at 1.2% versus Texas's 1.8%. While the rate gap of 0.60% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,560 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $12K in savings.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Massachusetts ($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.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Massachusetts averages $10K in closing costs (1.6% of purchase price) while Texas averages $5K (1.7%). 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. Massachusetts's MassHousing DPA provides Up to $50,000 DPA loan, 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: Texas homes cost $285K less than Massachusetts on average. That translates to roughly $1,725 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Texas. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.