Florida vs South Carolina: Mortgage & Housing Costs
Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Florida and South Carolina. Updated for 2026.
Metric
Florida
South Carolina
Median Home Price
$395K
$305K
Property Tax Rate
0.86%
0.57%
Avg Closing Costs
$7K
$4K
Closing Cost %
1.8%
1.3%
Transfer Tax
0.7%
0.37%
Homeowners Insurance
$4,200/yr
$2,600/yr
First-Time Buyer Program
Florida Hometown Heroes
Up to 5% as 0% deferred loan
SC Housing Palmetto Home
Up to $8,000 forgivable
Verdict
South Carolina wins 6 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 Florida. Both states offer first-time buyer programs — explore the state pages for full details.