Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Alabama and Arkansas. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Alabama
Arkansas
Median Home Price
$230K
$195K
Property Tax Rate
0.41%
0.62%
Avg Closing Costs
$3K
$3K
Closing Cost %
1.4%
1.5%
Transfer Tax
None
0.33%
Homeowners Insurance
$1,950/yr
$2,500/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
Alabama Housing Finance Authority Step Up
Up to $10,000 DPA
ADFA Down Payment Assistance
Up to $15,000 DPA
Verdict
Alabama wins 4 of 6 cost categories, making it the more affordable state for homebuyers overall. However, Arkansas 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.