Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Iowa and South Carolina. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Iowa
South Carolina
Median Home Price
$210K
$305K
Property Tax Rate
1.52%
0.57%
Avg Closing Costs
$2K
$4K
Closing Cost %
1.0%
1.3%
Transfer Tax
0.16%
0.37%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,800/yr
$2,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
IFA FirstHome
$2,500 grant
SC Housing Palmetto Home
Up to $8,000 forgivable
Verdict
Iowa wins 5 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 South Carolina. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.