Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Hawaii and Tennessee. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Hawaii
Tennessee
Median Home Price
$830K
$340K
Property Tax Rate
0.28%
0.56%
Avg Closing Costs
$12K
$5K
Closing Cost %
1.5%
1.5%
Transfer Tax
0.2%
0.37%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,200/yr
$2,400/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
HHFDC Hula Mae Program
Below-market rate mortgages
THDA Great Choice Home Loan
Up to $25,000 DPA
Verdict
Hawaii wins 3 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Tennessee has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.