Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Ohio and Tennessee. Updated for 2026.
Ohio wins 4 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 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 Ohio saves you approximately $720/month ($8,640/year) compared to Tennessee, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Ohio offers meaningfully lower home prices than Tennessee, with median prices running 37% less ($125K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Tennessee may find Ohio far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Tennessee has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus Ohio's 1.56%. While the rate gap of 1.00% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,450 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.
Insurance costs favor Ohio at $1,400/year versus $2,400/year in Tennessee, a difference of $1,000 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $10K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Ohio's OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance provides 2.5% or 5% of purchase price, 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: Ohio homes cost $125K less than Tennessee on average. That translates to roughly $720 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.