Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Iowa and North Dakota. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Iowa
North Dakota
Median Home Price
$210K
$255K
Property Tax Rate
1.52%
0.98%
Avg Closing Costs
$2K
$3K
Closing Cost %
1.0%
1.1%
Transfer Tax
0.16%
None
Homeowners Insurance
$1,800/yr
$2,100/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
IFA FirstHome
$2,500 grant
NDHFA FirstHome
DCA up to $14,000
Verdict
Iowa wins 4 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 North Dakota. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.