What closing costs does buyer pay with a USDA home loan?

None that I'm aware of.

You may pay one-half of the closing (escrow) fee, and the lender's title insurance policy.

Closing costs on a USDA Rural Development loan are the exact same as any other mortgage loan. Lender fees, title /closing fees, appraisal, credit reports, state taxes, and normal prepaid items including pro-rated property taxes and your first years home owners insurance. You can ask for "seller paid closing costs", which allows you to roll the closing costs into the loan versus you paying them out of pocket. This is what we usually do, so for most of my USDA loan clients, then can buy a home with almost nothing out of pocket. Talk to a local mortgage broker who does USDA loans. In MN, WI, and SD, I can help at www.JoeMetzler.com/usda