Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Louisiana and South Dakota. Updated for 2026.
Louisiana and South Dakota 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 Louisiana saves you approximately $717/month ($8,604/year) compared to South Dakota, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Louisiana offers meaningfully lower home prices than South Dakota, with median prices running 34% less ($100K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of South Dakota may find Louisiana far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
Louisiana has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.55% versus South Dakota's 1.22%. While the rate gap of 0.67% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,527 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $20K in savings.
Insurance costs favor South Dakota at $2,300/year versus $3,500/year in Louisiana, a difference of $1,200 annually. While not the largest cost factor, this adds up to over $12K 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. Louisiana's LHC Mortgage Revenue Bond provides Up to $10,000 soft second loan, 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: Louisiana homes cost $100K less than South Dakota on average. That translates to roughly $717 less per month in total housing costs if you choose Louisiana. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.