Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between New Jersey and Ohio. Updated for 2026.
Metric
New Jersey
Ohio
Median Home Price
$505K
$215K
Property Tax Rate
2.47%
1.56%
Avg Closing Costs
$10K
$3K
Closing Cost %
2.0%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
1%
0.4%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,500/yr
$1,400/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
NJHMFA DPA Program
Up to $15,000 forgivable
OHFA Grants for Grads
2.5% or 5% DPA
Verdict
Ohio wins 6 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $215K and lower overall costs, Ohio offers meaningful savings compared to New Jersey. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.