Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between South Dakota and Vermont. Updated for 2026.
Metric
South Dakota
Vermont
Median Home Price
$295K
$380K
Property Tax Rate
1.22%
1.9%
Avg Closing Costs
$2K
$6K
Closing Cost %
0.7%
1.6%
Transfer Tax
0.1%
1.45%
Homeowners Insurance
$2,300/yr
$1,100/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer
Fixed-rate FTB loans
VHFA MOVE Mortgage
$5K–$15K DPA
Verdict
South Dakota wins 5 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. With a median home price of $295K and lower overall costs, South Dakota offers meaningful savings compared to Vermont. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.