Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Illinois and South Carolina. Updated for 2026.
Illinois and South Carolina are evenly matched across major housing cost categories. Your decision may come down to other factors like job market, climate, or lifestyle preferences. Use the calculators below to model your specific scenario.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI.
Buying in South Carolina saves you approximately $50/month ($600/year) compared to Illinois, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Home prices in Illinois and South Carolina are relatively close, with only a 11% difference ($35K). 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.
Property taxes are dramatically different: South Carolina charges 0.57% while Illinois charges 2.07%, a gap of 1.50 percentage points. On the respective median homes, this means Illinois homeowners pay roughly $5,589 per year in property taxes versus $1,738 in South Carolina. Over 30 years of homeownership, this difference alone can add up to six figures. Retirees on fixed incomes should weigh this heavily.
Insurance costs favor Illinois at $1,900/year versus $2,600/year in South Carolina, a difference of $700 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $7K over a decade of homeownership. Shop multiple carriers in either state — actual premiums depend on your specific property, coverage level, and claims history.
Both states offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers. Illinois's IHDA 1stHomeIllinois provides $7,500 forgivable loan, while South Carolina's SC Housing Palmetto Home offers Up to $8,000 forgivable. 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: property taxes are the defining difference here. Illinois's 2.07% rate versus South Carolina's 0.57% means South Carolina homeowners save approximately $3,851 every year on taxes alone. Over a 30-year mortgage, that difference compounds into tens of thousands of dollars — making it the most important cost factor in this comparison.