Living in Florence or Mason? Cost Breakdown

Florence, KY vs. Mason, OH: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

Considering a move to the Cincinnati area and weighing the cost of living in Florence, KY vs Mason, OH? This 2025 comparison breaks down the key expenses to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget.

Let’s imagine two similar families, the Johnsons and the Smiths. The Johnsons rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Florence for $1,250 per month, while the Smiths pay $1,450 for a comparable place in Mason. When it comes to groceries, the Johnsons spend around $800 monthly shopping in Florence, compared to the Smiths’ $850 food bill in Mason.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how typical rents and home prices compare in Florence and Mason:

🏆 Winner: Florence. You can expect to pay about 15% less on housing in Florence compared to similar homes or apartments in Mason.

2. Utilities and Energy Costs

Utility costs don’t vary too drastically between the two cities, but Florence does have slightly lower energy rates on average:

• Typical monthly utility bill in Florence: $180
• Typical monthly utility bill in Mason: $200

Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and cooling bills in peak months. Take advantage of budget billing plans to even out costs.

🏆 Winner: Florence, but only by a slight margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.

3. Groceries and Daily Expenses

Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases tend to cost about 5% less in Florence vs Mason. For example, a gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Florence compared to $3.70 in Mason.

For a family of four, living in Florence costs around $800 per month for groceries, while the same size household in Mason spends closer to $850.

🏆 Winner: Florence. You’ll save a bit on food and daily expenses living in Florence.

4. Taxes and Fees

Kentucky has lower income taxes than Ohio, with a top rate of 5% compared to Ohio’s 3.99% to 4.797% range. However, property taxes are a bit steeper in Florence at 1.1% vs Mason’s 0.9% average.

If you’re buying a home, keep in mind that many newer neighborhoods in Mason have HOA fees around $50-100 per month, while they’re less common in Florence.

🏆 Winner: Slight edge to Mason. Income taxes are higher but property taxes and HOA fees tend to be lower.

5. Cost Summary

6. Lifestyle Fit

Numbers aside, which city gels better with your lifestyle? A few things to consider:

• Mason has highly-rated schools and lots of family-friendly neighborhoods, but homes are a bit pricier and lots smaller.
• Florence offers more affordable real estate, easy airport access, and lower taxes, but has a longer commute to downtown Cincinnati.
• Florence averages 5°F warmer than Mason thanks to its location in the Ohio River Valley.

7. FAQs

Q: Is Florence more affordable than Mason?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Florence is about 5-10% lower on average, especially for housing, groceries, and utilities.

Q: Which city has cheaper rent?
A: Renting an apartment in Florence costs around 15% less than a comparable unit in Mason.

Q: Where is it less expensive to buy a home?
A: Your homebuying dollar stretches further in Florence. The median price for a 3-bedroom house is about $325,000 in Florence compared to $375,000 in Mason.

8. The Bottom Line

While Mason has great schools and a quicker commute to Cincinnati, Florence offers a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing. Budget-conscious families and those wanting more space for their money may prefer Florence.

Of course, the right choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. We recommend visiting both cities and comparing moving company costs as you weigh your options. For a more detailed look at expenses, check out our guide to the cost of living in Florence.