Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Arkansas and Iowa. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Arkansas
Iowa
Median Home Price
$195K
$210K
Property Tax Rate
0.62%
1.52%
Avg Closing Costs
$3K
$2K
Closing Cost %
1.5%
1.0%
Transfer Tax
0.33%
0.16%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,500/yr
$1,800/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
ADFA Down Payment Assistance
Up to $15,000 DPA
IFA FirstHome
$2,500 grant
Verdict
Iowa wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Arkansas 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.