Cincinnati, OH vs. Hamilton, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Are you considering a move to Cincinnati or Hamilton, Ohio? As you weigh job offers, housing options, and lifestyle preferences, it’s crucial to understand the cost of living differences between Cincinnati and Hamilton in 2025. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors, from housing to groceries, to help you make an informed decision that fits your budget.
Imagine this scenario: Jenna, a young professional, is comparing two job offers with the same salary – one in Cincinnati and one in Hamilton. She currently pays $1,200/month for a 2-bedroom apartment and spends about $400/month on groceries. How might her expenses change in each city? Let’s find out.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in any budget. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Cincinnati | Hamilton |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,300 | $950 |
| 3BR Home (Median Price) | $350,000 | $280,000 |
🏆 Winner: Hamilton. Jenna would save $350/month on rent by choosing Hamilton over Cincinnati.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can add up quickly. In Cincinnati, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and garbage for a 2-bedroom apartment. Costs are about 10% lower in Hamilton, averaging $160/month.
🏆 Winner: Hamilton, but the difference is minimal.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Both Cincinnati and Hamilton have a variety of grocery stores and markets. Assuming a mix of cooking at home and dining out, a single person might spend $400/month on food in Cincinnati. In Hamilton, groceries run about 5% cheaper, so Jenna could expect to spend $380/month.
🏆 Winner: Hamilton, with a slight edge on grocery costs.
Taxes and Fees
Ohio’s state income tax ranges from 2.85% to 4.80%. Both Cincinnati and Hamilton residents pay a 1.55% city income tax. Property taxes in Cincinnati average 1.5% of assessed value, while Hamilton’s property tax rate is about 1.3%.
🏆 Winner: Hamilton has a slightly lower property tax rate.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Cincinnati | Hamilton |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,300 | $950 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $400 | $380 |
| Transportation | $60 | $50 |
| Misc. | $250 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,190 | $1,740 |
Note: All income figures are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Lifestyle Fit
While Hamilton offers lower living costs across the board, Cincinnati has its perks. Cincinnati is more walkable and has better public transit. However, Hamilton boasts a lower cost of living and easy access to nature.
FAQ
Is Cincinnati more affordable than Hamilton?
No, Hamilton has a lower cost of living than Cincinnati in most categories, especially housing.
Which city has lower rent?
Hamilton has lower average rent prices. A 2-bedroom apartment runs about $350 less per month compared to Cincinnati.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Hamilton has lower median home prices and slightly lower property taxes, making it more affordable for homebuyers.
Conclusion
In our cost of living comparison of Cincinnati vs. Hamilton, Hamilton emerges as the more affordable place to live. A household moving from Cincinnati to Hamilton could easily save $400 or more per month on housing and other expenses. However, Cincinnati may still be the better choice for those who prefer an urban lifestyle and don’t mind paying a bit more for walkability and better transit options.
Budgeting is personal, so run your own numbers to see how each city stacks up for your lifestyle. For a more personalized look, check out our Sample Monthly Budgets for Cincinnati in 2025 and guide to the Cost of Living in Cincinnati. Whichever you choose, our Best Moving Companies Guide can help make your Ohio move a breeze.