Average closing costs in Ohio

Ohio closing costs can make a big difference in how much it costs to buy, sell, or refinance a home. Closing costs include lender fees, inspection fees, appraisal fees, prorated property taxes, and homeowners insurance premiums.

So, whether you’re hunting for a new place to call your own in the Buckeye State or refinancing to reduce your monthly mortgage payment, understanding closing costs is crucial to knowing how much to budget.

How much are closing costs in Ohio on average?

The average closing costs in Ohio are about $11,192 when buying a home, according to Rocket Mortgage.¹ That is about 30% less than the national average of $14,559.

The average Ohio closing costs for refinancing are $8,120, about 11% less than the national average of $9,132.²

The median sale price in Ohio was $265,100 as of October 2025, according to Redfin. That's more than 39% below the national average of $439,917.

That makes closing costs about 4.2% of the median sale price in Ohio, well within the typical range of 3% - 6% of the loan amount.

Overall closing costs

Because closing costs are based on a percentage of the loan amount, typically ranging from 3% to 6%, they can vary significantly from one home to another. So, if you're purchasing a pricier home with a larger loan, you can typically expect your closing costs to be higher as well.

That’s why, no matter where you’re moving to, estimating your closing costs before you start house hunting can help you stay within your budget and plan for those extra expenses.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the expenses that make up your total closing cost amount:

• Mortgage origination fees. This fee is what your lender charges to process, underwrite, and set up your mortgage. Think of it like the administrative cost of approving your loan.
• Home appraisal fee. This is what you pay for a licensed appraiser to assess your home’s market value, so the lender can confirm your loan amount matches what the property is worth.
• Credit reports. To see how well you’ve managed debt in the past and if you’re responsible enough to manage a mortgage payment, lenders usually charge a fee to access your credit report.
• Home inspections. To make sure there are no hidden issues with your property that would change your mind about the purchase, you’ll usually pay for a home inspection. Inspectors charge a fee when they inspect the key parts of the home, such as the foundation, wiring, and plumbing.
• Prepaid costs (taxes and insurance). A portion of your closing costs also includes some up-front expenses like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and sometimes even a portion of your mortgage interest. Lenders usually require this to protect their financial interest in your property and ensure your mortgage starts off in good standing.
• Real estate agent commissions. This fee is used to compensate the buyer's and seller's agents for their assistance with the real estate transaction. It’s typically listed as a percentage of the home’s price. Through the years, the real estate world has become more transparent about what goes into agent commissions, helping buyers and sellers better understand where their money is going. That clarity puts some negotiating power back in your hands, allowing you to find a fee structure that works for you and your budget.

Are closing costs in Ohio above average?

Ohio’s average closing costs are lower than the national average.

In many states, the primary factor contributing to higher closing costs is the transfer tax. This is a government fee that's charged when a property changes hands. It's usually calculated as a percentage of the home’s sale price.

In Ohio, transfer taxes are lower than in most states. In the Buckeye State, they’re called a conveyance fee, which is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code.

Because those fees make up a smaller portion of the total costs, home buyers in Ohio may spend less overall when closing on a home.

Who pays closing costs in Ohio?

Buyers and sellers are each responsible for paying some of the closing costs, although the expenses they pay vary.

Buyers usually cover costs like:

• Loan origination fees
• Appraisal fees
• Credit report fees
• Inspection fees
• Lender’s title insurance
• Recording fees
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance premiums
• Mortgage interest

Sellers, on the other hand, usually pay for some of the larger expenses, like:

• Real estate agent commissions
• Transfer taxes
• The owner’s title insurance policy
• Deed preparation fees
• Remaining liens or mortgages on the property

Since both parties pay closing costs, it’s a good idea to understand what expenses you’re responsible for before closing day. That way, you can better prepare and know how much money you need to set aside when it’s time to finalize the sale of your home.

FAQ

Let's explore a few questions you may still have about closing costs in Ohio.

How much should you save for closing costs in Ohio?

The exact amount you'll pay depends on the price of the home. The higher the price, the closer you'll be to the upper end of the common range, which is typically 3% – 6% of the loan amount. It may be a good idea to leave some room in your budget for any unexpected expenses that come up during the home buying process. To better budget for your home purchase, you can use this home affordability calculator from Rocket Mortgage.

Are there ways to save on closing costs in Ohio?

Yes, there are several ways to save on closing costs in Ohio. For starters, shop around for lenders and title companies, so you can compare their fees, rates, and terms. Another way to save is by asking for seller concessions. If you're in a buyer’s market, this is something they might be more open to, especially if they're motivated to sell. Additionally, it's worth exploring first-time home buyer programs or no-closing-cost mortgage options. If you qualify for one of these programs, it may help you lower closing expenses.

The bottom line: Plan to save for closing costs in Ohio

While Ohio’s closing costs are generally lower than the national average, they still play an important role in your budget planning. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a plan and set aside enough money to cover them comfortably. By understanding what to expect, you can make the entire home buying process more straightforward and less stressful.

Ready to take the next step toward homeownership? Start your application today with Rocket Mortgage.

¹ Year-to-date average for 2025, according to Rocket Mortgage data.

² Refinancing may increase finance charges over the life of the loan.