Independence, KY vs. Fairfield, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Midwest? Here’s how the numbers shake out between Independence, KY and Fairfield, OH in 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $280K in Independence vs. $315K in Fairfield
- ⚡ Average utility bill: $180/mo in Independence vs. $205/mo in Fairfield
- 🛒 Groceries for a family of 4: $850/mo in Independence vs. $920/mo in Fairfield
- 🏦 Property tax rate: 0.98% in Independence vs. 1.32% in Fairfield
The bottom line? Independence comes out ahead for affordability. Let’s dive into the details to see which city fits your lifestyle and budget best.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living in Independence vs Fairfield. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a place to call home:
| Housing Type | Independence | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,100 | $1,350 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $280,000 | $315,000 |
🏆 Winner: Independence. You’ll save around $250/month on rent or $35K when buying a home compared to Fairfield.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect utility bills to run about 15% lower in Independence. The average household pays around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash collection. In Fairfield, that creeps up to $205/month.
Both cities have similar climates, so your summer A/C and winter heating usage should be comparable. But Independence has lower base rates across the board.
🏆 Winner: Independence keeps more money in your pocket on monthly utilities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family of four will run you about $850/month in Independence. The same groceries and household goods cost closer to $920/month in Fairfield.
Eating out is also a bit pricier in Fairfield. A basic meal for two averages $45, while you can dine out in Independence for around $35.
🏆 Winner: Independence takes the cake (for less!) on food and daily living costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Here’s how the local tax situation stacks up:
- Independence property tax rate: 0.98%
- Fairfield property tax rate: 1.32%
So for a $300,000 home, you’d pay about $1,020 more per year in property taxes in Fairfield.
Both cities have comparable fee structures for utilities, parking, and city services. But HOA fees tend to be $50-100 higher per month in Fairfield subdivisions.
🏆 Winner: Independence for its lower property taxes and HOA costs.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Monthly Expense | Independence | Fairfield |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Mortgage*) | $1,330 | $1,500 |
| Utilities | $180 | $205 |
| Groceries | $850 | $920 |
| Transportation | $350 | $380 |
| Taxes (Property) | $230 | $345 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,340 | $3,800 |
*Based on a 3BR median price home with 20% down and a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.5% APR.
6. Lifestyle Fit
The cost of living is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider how each city fits your lifestyle:
- 🌳 Independence offers more spacious lots and a small-town feel, but longer commutes to Cincinnati.
- 🚶♂️ Fairfield has more walkable neighborhoods and closer proximity to city amenities, but also more traffic.
Independence averages 5°F colder in January than Fairfield, so factor in a bit more winter heating. But both cities enjoy pleasant springs and colorful autumns.
7. FAQs
Q: Is Independence more affordable than Fairfield?
A: Yes, the cost of living is about 12% lower in Independence across major expense categories like housing, food, and utilities.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Renting a 2BR apartment costs around $1,100/month in Independence compared to $1,350/month in Fairfield.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: The median price for a 3BR house is $280,000 in Independence versus $315,000 in Fairfield, a difference of $35,000.
8. Conclusion
While both Independence and Fairfield provide a high quality of life, Independence comes out ahead on affordability. You’ll save on everything from housing to groceries to taxes.
Budget-conscious families, retirees, and young professionals may get more bang for their buck in Independence. But those prioritizing walkability and shorter commutes might prefer Fairfield despite the higher costs.
Every situation is unique. For a more personalized look at your monthly budget in Independence, check out our detailed cost of living breakdown. And if you do decide to make the move, our Best Moving Companies Guide can streamline the process.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle and financial goals. We hope this comparison of the cost of living in Independence vs Fairfield helps you make an informed decision. Happy calculating!