Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Iowa and Kentucky. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Iowa
Kentucky
Median Home Price
$210K
$210K
Property Tax Rate
1.52%
0.83%
Avg Closing Costs
$2K
$3K
Closing Cost %
1.0%
1.4%
Transfer Tax
0.16%
0.1%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,800/yr
$2,400/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
IFA FirstHome
$2,500 grant
KHC Regular DAP
Up to $6,000 repayable loan
Verdict
Iowa wins 3 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $210K and lower overall costs, Iowa offers meaningful savings compared to Kentucky. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.