Hamilton, OH vs. Fairfield, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine this scenario: Sarah, a nurse earning $5,000 per month pre-tax, is deciding between renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Hamilton or Fairfield. In Hamilton, her rent would be around $1,200. Groceries for the month, including occasional takeout, total $600. In Fairfield, a similar apartment runs $1,400, with groceries coming to $550.
This cost of living comparison between Hamilton and Fairfield is perfect for anyone relocating for work, comparing job offers, or curious about the real-life expenses of calling each city home in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a monthly budget. Here’s how Hamilton and Fairfield stack up:
| Housing Type | Hamilton | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,100 – $1,400 | $1,300 – $1,600 |
| 3BR House | $1,500 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $2,300 |
🏆 Winner: Hamilton. Rent and home prices tend to be 10-20% lower in Hamilton compared to Fairfield.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash collection for a 2-bedroom apartment. Costs may be slightly higher in the peak of summer and winter. Both cities offer level billing programs to help even out seasonal spikes.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Hamilton and Fairfield.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, household items, and everyday spending on things like dining out make up another big chunk of the monthly budget. Costs are pretty much on par between Hamilton and Fairfield, with Hamilton coming in just a hair lower. Budget around $500-600 per month for a single person, $800-1000 for a family.
🏆 Winner: Hamilton, but only by a slight margin of about 5% savings on average.
4. Taxes and Fees
Hamilton’s property tax rate is around 2.2%, while Fairfield’s is 2.4%. For a $200,000 home, that’s a difference of about $400 per year. Both cities have income tax rates around 2%. HOA fees, if applicable, tend to be $100-300 per month, sometimes including amenities like a community pool or fitness center.
🏆 Winner: Hamilton. The lower property tax rate gives Hamilton a slight edge.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Hamilton | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Apt) | $1,200 | $1,400 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $600 | $550 |
| Transportation | $200 | $200 |
| Taxes (2% Income) | $100 | $100 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,725 | $2,875 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is an important factor, also consider which city best suits your lifestyle. Hamilton offers a quaint, historic downtown with locally-owned shops and eateries. Fairfield has more suburban amenities like chain restaurants and big box stores. Hamilton averages about 5°F cooler than Fairfield in the summer months. Both are a reasonable commute to major job centers in the Cincinnati area.
7. FAQ
- Is Hamilton more affordable than Fairfield? Yes, the cost of living in Hamilton is estimated to be about 5% lower overall compared to Fairfield, mainly due to lower housing costs.
- Which city has lower rent? Rental rates for apartments and homes tend to be 10-20% cheaper in Hamilton vs Fairfield.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? With a lower median home price and slightly lower property tax rate, buying a home is more affordable in Hamilton. Use this home affordability calculator to estimate your budget.
8. Conclusion
While Hamilton comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, with potential savings of $150 per month compared to Fairfield, both cities offer a good quality of life in the Cincinnati metro area. Young professionals and singles may prefer the energy of Hamilton’s downtown, while families might favor Fairfield’s quiet suburban neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your individual budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Explore our other cost of living guides for Ohio cities to compare more options in the Buckeye State.
Want to see how your average monthly expenses in Hamilton compare? Or dive deeper into the cost of living in Hamilton with our guides to housing, groceries, taxes, and more. Planning a move? See our 2025 moving company picks to get your belongings safely to your new home.