South Carolina vs Virginia: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between South Carolina and Virginia. Updated for 2026.
Metric
South Carolina
Virginia
Median Home Price
$305K
$400K
Property Tax Rate
0.57%
0.82%
Avg Closing Costs
$4K
$6K
Closing Cost %
1.3%
1.5%
Transfer Tax
0.37%
0.25%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,600/yr
$1,700/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
SC Housing Palmetto Home
Up to $8,000 forgivable
Virginia Housing DPA Grant
Up to 2.5% grant
Verdict
South Carolina wins 4 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 Virginia. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.