Side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs, property taxes, closing costs, and homeowners insurance between South Dakota and Vermont. Updated for 2026.
South Dakota wins 5 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 Vermont. 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 Dakota saves you approximately $718/month ($8,616/year) compared to Vermont, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
South Dakota offers meaningfully lower home prices than Vermont, with median prices running 22% less ($85K difference). This gap translates to both a smaller loan and lower monthly payments. First-time buyers priced out of Vermont may find South Dakota far more accessible, particularly when combined with local down payment assistance programs.
South Dakota has a moderate property tax advantage at 1.22% versus Vermont's 1.9%. While the rate gap of 0.68% may seem small, it translates to an annual difference of approximately $3,621 when applied to each state's median home price. Over a typical homeownership period of 7-10 years, that adds up to $29K in savings.
Insurance costs favor Vermont at $1,100/year versus $2,300/year in South Dakota, 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.
Closing costs are a one-time but significant expense. Vermont averages $6K in closing costs (1.6% of purchase price) while South Dakota averages $2K (0.7%). Much of Vermont's higher costs come from its 1.45% transfer tax, which adds $6K 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. South Dakota's SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer provides Fixed-rate FTB loans, while Vermont's VHFA MOVE Mortgage offers $5K–$15K DPA. 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 Dakota and Vermont are broadly similar in housing costs, with only $718/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.