Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Oregon and Texas. Updated for 2026.
Oregon 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 $738/month ($8,856/year) compared to Oregon, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Texas offers meaningfully lower home prices than Oregon, with median prices running 35% less ($170K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Oregon may find Texas far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Oregon has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.93% versus Texas's 1.8%. While the rate gap of 0.87% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,116 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $9K in savings.
Homeowners insurance is significantly cheaper in Oregon ($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. Oregon's OHCS Oregon Bond provides Cash Advantage up to $15K, 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 $170K less than Oregon on average. That translates to roughly $738 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.