Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Newark and Wooster, Ohio. Using Ohio's 1.56% property tax rate and $1,400/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Newark edges out Wooster in affordability, saving you roughly $74/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Ohio, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Ohio's 1.56% property tax rate.
Buying in Newark saves you approximately $74/month ($888/year) compared to Wooster, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Newark is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $185K versus $195K in Wooster. That's $10K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $6K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Newark, compared to $7K in Wooster. Ohio offers the OHFA Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance program (2.5% or 5% of purchase price) which applies in both cities.
Newark has the better price-to-rent ratio at 16.8x versus 17.7x in Wooster. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Newark is $920/month on a $185K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Newark (pop. 49,934) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Wooster (pop. 27,023) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Newark offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.