Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Alabama and South Dakota. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Alabama
South Dakota
Median Home Price
$230K
$295K
Property Tax Rate
0.41%
1.22%
Avg Closing Costs
$3K
$2K
Closing Cost %
1.4%
0.7%
Transfer Tax
None
0.1%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,950/yr
$2,300/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
Alabama Housing Finance Authority Step Up
Up to $10,000 DPA
SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer
Fixed-rate FTB loans
Verdict
Alabama wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $230K and lower overall costs, Alabama offers meaningful savings compared to South Dakota. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.