Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Idaho and South Carolina. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Idaho
South Carolina
Median Home Price
$420K
$305K
Property Tax Rate
0.63%
0.57%
Avg Closing Costs
$6K
$4K
Closing Cost %
1.5%
1.3%
Transfer Tax
None
0.37%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,600/yr
$2,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
Idaho Housing DPA
Up to 7% second mortgage
SC Housing Palmetto Home
Up to $8,000 forgivable
Verdict
South Carolina wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $305K and lower overall costs, South Carolina offers meaningful savings compared to Idaho. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.