Fairfield is considered moderately affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment around $1,450 and utility costs slightly below the national average.
Imagine you’re Sarah, a young professional who just accepted a job offer in Fairfield, Ohio. As she prepares to relocate from her current city, Sarah wants to get a clear picture of what it will cost to live comfortably in this Cincinnati suburb. Let’s break down the various expenses Sarah can expect to encounter in Fairfield circa 2025.
Housing Costs in Fairfield
The most significant portion of Sarah’s monthly budget will likely be housing. In Fairfield, rental options range from apartments to single-family homes, with prices varying based on size, amenities, and neighborhood. For a typical 2-bedroom apartment, Sarah can expect to pay around $1,450 per month. If she opts for a 3-bedroom house, prices start closer to $1,800 monthly.
Some popular rental neighborhoods in Fairfield include:
- Village Green: Mostly apartments, with 2-bedrooms averaging $1,400
- Camelot East: Mix of apartments and houses, 2-beds around $1,500
- Winton Woods: Primarily houses, 3-beds starting at $1,850
If Sarah decides to purchase a home, the median price for a 3-bedroom in Fairfield is around $280,000. With a 30-year fixed mortgage at 3.5% and 20% down, her monthly payment would be approximately $1,500 including taxes and insurance. Some neighborhoods have optional HOA fees ranging from $100-300 per month.
Utilities and Energy Bills
In addition to rent or a mortgage, Sarah will need to budget for utilities like electricity, gas, water, and trash collection. Fortunately, Fairfield enjoys utility costs that are slightly below the national average. For an 800 sq ft apartment, a typical monthly breakdown might look like:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $80 |
| Natural Gas | $40 |
| Water/Sewer/Trash | $60 |
| Internet | $65 |
| Total | $245 |
Keep in mind that electricity costs may spike in the summer months due to air conditioning. For a larger home, utility costs will also increase accordingly, potentially adding $100+ to the monthly total.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
To get a sense of food costs in Fairfield, let’s consider a typical grocery basket for Sarah:
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.50
- 1 dozen eggs: $2.80
- 1 lb chicken breast: $4.20
- 1 lb ground beef: $5.60
- 1 loaf of bread: $2.40
Overall, grocery prices in Fairfield are very close to the U.S. median. Assuming Sarah cooks most meals at home, a reasonable food budget would be around $300 per month for a single person, or $600 for a couple. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant runs about $40 for a two-person meal, so frequent eating out will increase the budget significantly.
Taxes and Fees
As a Fairfield resident, Sarah will encounter a few key taxes and fees:
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax | 6.5% (state) + 1.5% (county) = 8% total |
| Property Tax | 1.3% of home value annually |
| Vehicle Registration | $34.50 per year |
If Sarah purchases a $280,000 home, she can expect an annual property tax bill around $3,640. Sales tax applies to most goods aside from groceries and prescription drugs.
Sample Monthly Budget
To summarize, here’s a sample monthly budget for Sarah’s living expenses in Fairfield:
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent for 2-bed apartment) | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,800 (3-bed) |
| Utilities | $245 | $290 | $380 |
| Groceries | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Transportation (excluding car payment) | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Discretionary (dining out, entertainment, etc) | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Total | $2,595 | $3,240 | $4,380 |
| Recommended Gross Monthly Income (pre-tax) | $3,600 | $4,500 | $6,000 |
To live comfortably while renting in Fairfield, Sarah should aim for a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $3,600. For a couple, that figure jumps to around $4,500 per month. Keep in mind these budgets are estimates. If Sarah decides to hire movers rather than renting a truck, her upfront relocation costs will increase. Lifestyle choices like frequent travel or expensive hobbies will also require a higher income.
Lifestyle Considerations
One advantage of Fairfield is its proximity to Cincinnati, which is only a 25-minute drive away. This opens up a wider range of job opportunities while still allowing Sarah to enjoy the lower housing costs of a suburb. However, commuting does come with additional transportation expenses.
Within Fairfield itself, most homes are under 30 years old and lots tend to be on the smaller side. For those craving more space, the tradeoff is a longer commute from a further suburb like Hamilton or Middletown. Fairfield has several parks and a community arts center, but the nightlife is limited compared to downtown Cincinnati.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should I budget for utilities in Fairfield?
A: For an 800 sq ft apartment, budget around $245 per month for electricity, gas, water, and internet. Larger homes will have higher utility costs.
Q: Is Fairfield an affordable place to live?
A: Compared to Cincinnati proper, Fairfield offers lower housing costs and slightly cheaper utilities and groceries. It’s considered moderately affordable for the region.
Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in Fairfield?
A: To rent a 2-bedroom apartment and cover basic living expenses, aim for a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $3,600 for a single person or $4,500 for a couple.
Q: How much is the average rent in Fairfield?
A: As of 2025, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Fairfield is around $1,450 per month. A 3-bedroom house averages $1,800 or more.
Q: What are the property taxes like in Fairfield?
A: The property tax rate in Fairfield is around 1.3% of the assessed home value annually. On a $280,000 home, that equates to $3,640 per year.
Q: Is Fairfield cheaper than nearby cities?
A: Fairfield is less expensive than Cincinnati, with lower housing and slightly lower food and utility costs. However, some further-out suburbs like Hamilton may offer even lower prices.