Covington, KY vs. Hamilton, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Covington, KY or Hamilton, OH? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in Covington vs Hamilton in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Covington, KY | Hamilton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,250 | $1,100 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,600 | $1,450 |
🏆 Winner: Hamilton, OH. Housing costs are about 10-15% lower in Hamilton compared to Covington.
Curious about how much you need to earn to afford living in Covington? Check out our monthly budget guide.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another key expense. In Covington, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Hamilton utility costs are similar, averaging $175/month. Both cities have higher winter heating bills than summer A/C.
🏆 Winner: Hamilton, but only slightly. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases are very close between Covington and Hamilton. A typical family might spend $800/month on food and incidentals in either city. Restaurant prices are nearly identical, with fast food meals around $8-10 and nice dinners $25-35/person.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Costs for groceries and daily expenses are almost the same.
4. Taxes and Fees
Kentucky has slightly lower income taxes than Ohio (a flat 5% vs progressive 2.85-4.797%). However, Covington’s property taxes are higher at 1.06% vs 0.87% in Hamilton. Covington also has more neighborhoods with HOA fees, often $200-400/month.
🏆 Winner: Hamilton. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees give Hamilton the edge.
Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Covington, KY | Hamilton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Mortgage) | $1,600 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $180 | $175 |
| Groceries & Dining | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $350 | $325 |
| Taxes & Fees | $450 | $400 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,880 | $3,650 |
Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. Consider other tradeoffs:
- Covington is more walkable and closer to Cincinnati. Expect shorter commutes but less space.
- Hamilton offers more affordable housing, especially larger homes. You’ll get more square footage for your dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Covington more affordable than Hamilton? No, Hamilton has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Typical rent is about 10% lower in Hamilton – around $1,100 for a 2BR apartment vs $1,250 in Covington.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Hamilton, thanks to lower prices and property taxes. A household moving from Covington to Hamilton might save $400/month on housing.
The Bottom Line
While Covington and Hamilton are fairly close in cost of living, Hamilton comes out ahead for overall affordability, especially housing. Covington may still be worth the premium for those prioritizing location and shorter commutes. Be sure to review the full cost of living breakdown for Covington to budget accurately.
Whichever city you choose, using one of the best professional moving companies can make your relocation smoother and less stressful. We hope this comparison of the cost of living in Covington vs Hamilton helps you find the perfect fit for your budget and lifestyle!