Covington, KY vs. Mason, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families: the Johnsons in Covington, KY and the Smiths in Mason, OH. Both pay $1,200 for a 2-bedroom apartment, but the Johnsons spend $400 on groceries while the Smiths spend $500. The Johnsons pay $150 for utilities; the Smiths pay $180. By the end of the month, the Johnsons have spent $1,750 while the Smiths have paid $1,880 – a $130 difference.
This scenario illustrates how the cost of living in Covington, KY compares to Mason, OH. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone weighing the real-life expenses of Covington vs Mason in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage payments compare:
| Housing Type | Covington, KY | Mason, OH |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| 3BR House | $1,500 | $1,700 |
🏆 Winner: Covington. Rent and mortgages tend to be 10-15% lower in Covington compared to Mason.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-$200 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash services for a 2-bedroom apartment. Costs may be slightly higher in the summer if you run the AC frequently.
🏆 Winner: Covington, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs in Covington are about 5-10% lower than in Mason. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Covington compared to $3.75 in Mason. Eating out is also more affordable – a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Covington is around $50, while the same meal in Mason would be closer to $60.
🏆 Winner: Covington. You’ll save on everyday expenses like groceries and dining out.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly higher in Mason, averaging 1.2% compared to 1.1% in Covington. However, Kentucky has a state income tax while Ohio does not, so your overall tax burden may be lower in Mason depending on your income and deductions.
🏆 Winner: Mason. The lack of state income tax can result in significant savings for many households.
Cost Summary Table
| Expense | Covington, KY | Mason, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Apt) | $1,200 | $1,250 |
| Utilities | $150 | $180 |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 |
| Transportation | $200 | $250 |
| Taxes (Property) | 1.1% | 1.2% |
| Misc | $200 | $220 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,150 | $2,350 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Covington offers a lower cost of living overall, there are tradeoffs to consider. Mason has more spacious housing options and tends to be quieter and more family-oriented. Covington is more walkable and has a shorter average commute time. Climate is fairly similar between the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Covington more affordable than Mason? Yes, Covington has a lower cost of living in most categories, especially housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rent prices are about 10-15% cheaper in Covington compared to Mason.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices and property taxes are lower in Covington, making it more affordable for buyers.
Conclusion
Overall, Covington offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Mason, with savings on housing, groceries, and daily expenses. However, Mason’s lack of state income tax can offset some of those savings for high earners. Covington may be the better choice for young professionals and those who value walkability, while Mason offers more space and a family-friendly vibe.
Budgeting is an essential part of any move. Check out our guide on whether you can afford to live in Covington to estimate your monthly expenses. If you do make the move, be sure to compare moving company costs and options to get the best deal.