Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Ohio and Texas. 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 Texas. 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.
The monthly payment difference is $961/month — that’s $11,532/year or $346K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Ohio is the more affordable option based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Based on the 28% debt-to-income rule — your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income.
To afford the median home in Texas, you need a household income of approximately $114K/year. In Ohio, you need $73K/year — less by $41K/year. That $41K income gap means Ohio is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Ohio offers meaningfully lower home prices than Texas, with median prices running 31% less ($95K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Texas may find Ohio far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Property tax rates are similar in both states (Ohio: 1.56%, Texas: 1.8%), so taxes shouldn't be the deciding factor in your relocation decision. Instead, focus on differences in home prices, insurance costs, and state-specific programs. Both states collect roughly comparable property tax revenue relative to home values.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Ohio ($1,400/year) compared to Texas ($3,800/year). That's an extra $2,400 per year — or $200/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.
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 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: Ohio homes cost $95K less than Texas on average. That translates to roughly $961 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.