Pennsylvania vs South Carolina: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Median Home Price
$280K
$305K
Property Tax Rate
1.36%
0.57%
Avg Closing Costs
$5K
$4K
Closing Cost %
1.7%
1.3%
Transfer Tax
2%
0.37%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,400/yr
$2,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
PHFA Keystone Advantage
Up to $6,000 DPA
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. However, Pennsylvania has a lower total cost when combining home price, closing costs, and insurance. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.