Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between Oregon and South Carolina. Updated for 2026.
South Carolina wins 4 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 Oregon. 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.
Buying in South Carolina saves you approximately $1,188/month ($14,256/year) compared to Oregon, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
South Carolina offers meaningfully lower home prices than Oregon, with median prices running 36% less ($175K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Oregon may find South Carolina far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
South Carolina has a moderate property tax advantage at 0.57% versus Oregon's 0.93%. While the rate gap of 0.36% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $2,726 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $22K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Oregon at $1,400/year versus $2,600/year in South Carolina, 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. Oregon's OHCS Oregon Bond provides Cash Advantage up to $15K, 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: South Carolina homes cost $175K less than Oregon on average. That translates to roughly $1,188 less per month in total housing costs if you choose South Carolina. For most buyers, this price gap is the single biggest factor — it affects your loan size, monthly payment, and how quickly you build equity.