Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Tennessee and Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Wisconsin wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $280K and lower overall costs, Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin saves you approximately $203/month ($2,436/year) compared to Tennessee, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Home prices in Tennessee and Wisconsin are relatively close, with only a 18% difference ($60K). At similar price points, your decision should focus on the other cost factors: property taxes, insurance, closing costs, and the overall quality of life each state offers. Small percentage differences in tax rates compound over decades of homeownership.
Property taxes are dramatically different: Tennessee charges 0.56% while Wisconsin charges 1.76%, a gap of 1.20 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Wisconsin homeowners pay roughly $4,928 per year in property taxes versus $1,904 in Tennessee. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Insurance costs favor Wisconsin at $1,300/year versus $2,400/year in Tennessee, a difference of $1,100 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $11K 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. Tennessee's THDA Great Choice Home Loan provides Up to $25,000 DPA, while Wisconsin's WHEDA First-Time Advantage offers Up to $3,050 Easy Close 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: property taxes are the defining difference here. Wisconsin's 1.76% rate versus Tennessee's 0.56% means Tennessee homeowners save approximately $3,024 every year on taxes alone. Over a 30-year mortgage, that difference compounds into tens of thousands of dollars — making it the most important cost factor in this comparison.