Tennessee 15 vs 30 Year Mortgage
Compare 15-year and 30-year mortgage options for Tennessee homes. See the monthly payment difference and total interest savings on the $340K median home.
Why This Matters in Tennessee
In Tennessee, where the median home is $340K, the 15 vs 30-year decision has big dollar implications. A 30-year loan at 6.5% on $306K costs $1,934/month in P&I, while a 15-year at 5.75% costs $2,541/month. That's a $607/month difference.
Tennessee's low 0.56% property tax rate helps — your total PITI stays manageable even with the higher 15-year payment, making the interest savings more achievable.
15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage in Tennessee
The choice between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage in Tennessee comes down to monthly cash flow versus total cost. On the $340K median home with 10% down, a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% gives you a total PITI of $2,293/mo. A 15-year mortgage at 6.0% (15-year rates are typically 0.5-0.75% lower) pushes that to $2,941/mo — about $648 more per month. But you save approximately $231K in total interest and own the home free and clear in half the time.
At Tennessee's moderate price level, the $648 monthly difference between loan terms is a genuine decision point. Consider your career trajectory and income stability: if you expect steady income growth, the 15-year term locks in forced savings through faster principal reduction. If income is variable or you have other financial priorities (retirement savings, children's education), the 30-year term provides breathing room while you can still make occasional extra payments when cash flow allows.
Whichever term you choose, the THDA Great Choice Home Loan program (up to $25,000 dpa) can ease the upfront burden. Use the full 15 vs 30 year mortgage comparison tool to model both scenarios with your actual numbers — including Tennessee-specific property taxes and insurance — and see the month-by-month difference in equity growth, interest paid, and total cost.