Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Oklahoma and Tennessee. Updated for 2026.
Oklahoma wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $210K and lower overall costs, Oklahoma 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.
The monthly payment difference is $693/month — that’s $8,316/year or $249K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in Oklahoma 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 Tennessee, you need a household income of approximately $104K/year. In Oklahoma, you need $74K/year — less by $30K/year. That $30K income gap means Oklahoma is accessible to a significantly wider range of households.
Oklahoma offers meaningfully lower home prices than Tennessee, with median prices running 38% less ($130K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Tennessee may find Oklahoma far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Tennessee has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus Oklahoma's 0.88%. While the rate gap of 0.32% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $56 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $448 in savings.
Insurance costs favor Tennessee at $2,400/year versus $3,600/year in Oklahoma, a difference of $1,200 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $12K 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. Oklahoma's OHFA Homebuyer DPA provides Up to 3.5% 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: Oklahoma homes cost $130K less than Tennessee on average. That translates to roughly $693 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Oklahoma. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.