Buying in Tennessee: what the numbers look like
Tennessee keeps the recurring cost of ownership low: its 0.48% average effective property tax rate ranks 7th lowest in the nation (national average ≈ 0.94%), so the typical $320,000 home carries only about $1,536 a year in property tax. On the insurance side, Tennessee homeowners average about $2,900 a year — near the 50-state average of $2,682.
Put together at an illustrative 6.5% rate (30-year, 20% down), the typical Tennessee purchase pencils out near $1,988/month: $1,618 principal & interest + $128 tax + $242 insurance. That's the number the calculator above starts from — swap in your real price, rate quote, and county figures to make it yours.
Property taxes & closing costs in Tennessee
No state income tax and a below-average property tax rate make carrying costs low.
Transfer tax: Realty transfer tax of $0.37 per $100 (0.37%). Closing costs also include lender, title, and recording fees — typically 2–5% of the price all-in.
Tennessee at a glance
| Typical home value (Zillow, 2025) | $320,000 (28th highest) |
| Avg. effective property tax (2023) | 0.48% ≈ $128/mo |
| Avg. home insurance (2025) | $2,900/yr ≈ $242/mo |
| Example payment (typical home, 6.5%, 20% down) | $1,988/mo |
Frequently asked questions
How much is the mortgage payment on a typical Tennessee home?
The typical Tennessee home runs about $320,000 (Zillow, 2025). With 20% down ($64,000) on a 30-year loan at an illustrative 6.5% rate, the full monthly payment is roughly $1,988 — $1,618 principal & interest, $128 property tax, and $242 insurance. Adjust every input above to match your own price and quote.
What is the property tax rate in Tennessee?
Tennessee's average effective rate is 0.48% of home value — the 44th lowest — that is, 7th lowest in the nation (Tax Foundation, 2023 data). On the typical $320,000 home that is about $1,536 per year. No state income tax and a below-average property tax rate make carrying costs low.
How much is homeowners insurance in Tennessee?
Roughly $2,900 per year on average for $300k of dwelling coverage (Bankrate, 2025) — above the 50-state average of $2,682. Your premium depends on the home’s age, construction, claims history, and coverage limits, so quote several insurers.
Nearby states & more tools
Compare: Kentucky mortgage calculator · Georgia mortgage calculator · Alabama mortgage calculator · North Carolina mortgage calculator — or see all 50 states compared.
Not sure of your price range? Start with the home affordability calculator, then fine-tune here. The full mortgage calculator has extra payments and PMI controls too.
Data & sources: Property tax — Effective property tax rate on owner-occupied housing, calendar year 2023 (Tax Foundation analysis of Census ACS data, published 2025). Home value — Typical home value, Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), 2025, rounded to the nearest $5,000. Insurance — Average annual homeowners insurance premium for $300k dwelling coverage (Bankrate/Quadrant 2025), rounded to the nearest $50. State-level figures are planning defaults, not quotes: property taxes vary by county and city, insurance varies by home and insurer, and home values move monthly. Every value prefills the calculator but remains editable. The 6.5% rate is illustrative, not an offer or a prediction — always enter a real quote.
Disclaimer: Educational purposes only — not financial advice. See our Terms of Use.