South Carolina vs Tennessee: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between South Carolina and Tennessee. Updated for 2026.
Metric
South Carolina
Tennessee
Median Home Price
$305K
$340K
Property Tax Rate
0.57%
0.56%
Avg Closing Costs
$4K
$5K
Closing Cost %
1.3%
1.5%
Transfer Tax
0.37%
0.37%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,600/yr
$2,400/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
SC Housing Palmetto Home
Up to $8,000 forgivable
THDA Great Choice Home Loan
Up to $25,000 DPA
Verdict
South Carolina wins 3 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $305K and lower overall costs, South Carolina offers meaningful savings compared to Tennessee. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.