Illinois vs South Carolina: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Illinois and South Carolina. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Illinois
South Carolina
Median Home Price
$270K
$305K
Property Tax Rate
2.07%
0.57%
Avg Closing Costs
$5K
$4K
Closing Cost %
2.0%
1.3%
Transfer Tax
0.1%
0.37%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,900/yr
$2,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
IHDA 1stHomeIllinois
$7,500 forgivable loan
SC Housing Palmetto Home
Up to $8,000 forgivable
Verdict
Illinois and South Carolina are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.