Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Delaware and South Dakota. Updated for 2026.
South Dakota wins 4 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 Delaware. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
The monthly payment difference is $147/month — that’s $1,764/year or $53K over the life of a 30-year loan. Buying in South Dakota is the more affordable option based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Based on the 28% debt-to-income rule — your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of gross monthly income.
To afford the median home in Delaware, you need a household income of approximately $104K/year. In South Dakota, you need $98K/year — less by $6K/year. The $6K difference is meaningful but manageable for dual-income households.
Home prices in Delaware and South Dakota are relatively close, with only a 17% difference ($60K). At similar price points, your decision should focus on the other cost factors: property taxes, insurance, closing costs, and the overall quality of life each state offers. Small percentage differences in tax rates compound over decades of homeownership.
Delaware has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.56% versus South Dakota's 1.22%. While the rate gap of 0.66% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $1,611 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $13K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Delaware at $1,300/year versus $2,300/year in South Dakota, a difference of $1,000 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $10K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Delaware averages $12K in closing costs (3.3% of purchase price) while South Dakota averages $2K (0.7%). Much of Delaware's higher costs come from its 4% transfer tax, which adds $14K to the median home purchase. Budget for these upfront costs — they affect how much cash you need on hand at closing.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Delaware's DSHA Homeownership Loan provides Up to 5% Preferred Plus, while South Dakota's SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer offers Fixed-rate FTB loans. These programs can significantly reduce your upfront costs and make homeownership accessible even if you haven't saved a full 20% down payment. Check eligibility requirements on each state's housing finance agency website — income limits and purchase price caps apply.
The bottom line: Delaware and South Dakota are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $147/month separating them in total PITI payments. In cases like this, your decision should be driven by lifestyle preferences — job opportunities, climate, proximity to family, and quality of life — rather than pure cost savings. Either state offers a reasonable path to homeownership.