Are you thinking about moving to Cincinnati or moving to Covington but aren’t sure which city to choose? Both cities have their strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to do your research when deciding on the best place to call home.
Cincinnati, otherwise known as “The Queen City,” is known for its low cost of living, amazing job opportunities, and riverfront real estate. Located just a few miles away from Cincinnati on the other side of the Ohio River, the beautiful city of Covington is known for its thriving manufacturing industry, beautiful nature, and convenient location. Either one of these cities would be a great place to live, but which one is best for you? This is what you need to know about living in Cincinnati vs. Covington.
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Cincinnati to Covington Distance
Cincinnati and Covington are very close. It is only 1.6 miles from Cincinnati to Covington. This is only a 9 minute drive. You can also easily walk across the bridge that is separating the two cities.
Pros & Cons of Living in Cincinnati vs. Covington KY
Before deciding on your new home, you should weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each city. Here are the pros and cons you should consider when choosing Cincinnati or Covington.
Living in Cincinnati Pros
Cincinnati is a great place to live for young professionals or people who enjoy big city living and has a much higher population than Covington. There is always something to do when living in Cincinnati. There are many incredible restaurants and nightlife opportunities for you to take advantage of.
Cincinnati has lower rent prices than Covington, which is ideal for those who prefer apartment living. Cincinnati is also easier to navigate without a car. The city has amazing public transportation options as well as a high walkability score.
Living in Cincinnati Cons
While Cincinnati is a great place to reside, there are a few disadvantages to calling this city your home. Some of the major negatives of living in Cincinnati contra Covington are the higher crime rates, higher cost of living, and high home prices.
Living in Covington Pros
If you enjoy a more laid-back style of living, then you may prefer Covington to Cincinnati. Some big pros of living in Covington include a lower cost of living, a lower crime rate, and more nature-based activities. Covington also has significantly lower home prices in comparison with Cincinnati.
Living in Covington Cons
There are many highlights and challenges when living in Covington. Covington does not have as many job opportunities as Cincinnati, and it is not as easy to get around the city without a car. Covington is also subject to higher income tax rates than Cincinnati.
Comparisons of Covington vs. Cincinnati
These are the advantages and drawbacks of each city when it comes to major factors such as crime rate, cost of living, and more.
Cincinnati vs. Covington Demographics
Cincinnati Demographics:
- Population: 309,513
- Sex ratio: 51% female, 49% male
- Median age: 32.4
- Educational attainment: 88.6% high school degree (or higher), 39.6% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median household income: $45,235
- Racial and ethnic composition: 48.6% White, 40.3% Black or African American, 5.2% two or more races, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian
Covington Demographics:
- Population: 40,961
- Sex ratio: 52% male, 48% female
- Median age: 36.7
- Educational attainment: 85% high school degree (or higher), 28.4% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Median household income: $47,917
- Racial and ethnic composition: 75.8% White, 10.4% Black or African American, 8.1% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% two or more races, 1.3% Asian
The Cost of Living in Cincinnati vs. Covington
The Cincinnati cost of living is higher than the cost of living in Covington. However, both cities are very affordable. The Cost of Living Index in Cincinnati is 92.2, which means that it is 7.8% more affordable than the national average of 100. The Cost of Living Index in Covington, KY is 81.5, which means that it is 18.5% more affordable than the national average.
A listed look from Numbeo breaks down the cost of living in each city, showing how each area compares when it comes to common expenses.
- Local transportation is 3.1% cheaper in Cincinnati
- Childcare is 39% cheaper in Covington
- A 3 bedroom apartment is 3.8% cheaper in Cincinnati
- A fitness membership is 63.1% cheaper in Covington
- Utilities are 18.2% cheaper in Cincinnati
As you can see, the cost of living greatly depends on your lifestyle, and there are opportunities and obstacles in each city. If you need childcare, then you may find more affordable options in Covington. If you rely on public transportation, then Cincinnati may be a better option.
Curious about Cincinnati real estate compared to Covington real estate? The average home price in Cincinnati is $265,000, while the average home price in Covington is $175,000. Although home prices are lower in Covington, the market is more competitive. Homes sit on the market in Covington for an average of 4 days compared to an average of 7 days in Cincinnati.
When it comes to renting, you will find a better deal in Cincinnati. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Cincinnati is $1,273, while the average rent in Covington is $1,400.
Covington vs. Cincinnati Crime Rates
When comparing Cincinnati vs. Covington KY, you need to consider the crime rates. The crime rate in Cincinnati is higher than the crime rate in Covington. The crime rate in Cincinnati is 4,576 per 100,000 people. This is 111.9% higher than the state average and 95.1% higher than the national average. On the other hand, the crime rate in Covington is 2,983 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 46.3% higher than the state average and 27.2% higher than the national average.
Although the crime rate is higher in Cincinnati, it is important to remember that it is a much bigger city than Covington, and the crime rate will naturally be a bit higher.
Things to Do in Cincinnati vs. Covington
There are many fun things to do in Cincinnati and Covington. If you enjoy outdoor activities, then you may enjoy Covington more. Cincinnati has more city-based activities as opposed to Covington, which has more nature-based attractions. There are many wonderful parks and golf courses in the Covington area.
If you prefer urban activities, however, then you may want to choose Cincinnati. There are constantly new shopping opportunities, and museum exhibits transitioning in and out of the city. Some of the most popular Cincinnati attractions include the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Findlay Market, and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
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Cincinnati also has a more prominent nightlife scene, which comes with both positives and negatives depending on who you ask. If you enjoy going out to bars, clubs, and restaurants, then Cincinnati is a great place to live. If you don’t want to deal with the bar or club scene, then Covington may provide you with a quieter environment.
Cincinnati vs. Covington Transportation
Are you curious about the transportation in Cincinnati as opposed to the transportation in Covington? In general, Cincinnati is easier to get around by public transportation or walking. CommercialCafe recently ranked Cincinnati as the No. 10 city in the nation for walkability and outdoor leisure potential. If you live in the center of the city, you can easily get from place to place on foot.
In addition to being walkable, Cincinnati also has the Go Metro bus system with dozens of stops all around the city. Many Ubers and Lyfts also frequent the area.
Covington is not nearly as walkable as Cincinnati, and the best way to get around the area is by car. If you live in Covington and commute to Cincinnati for work, you can expect heavy traffic on the bridge during rush hour. If you live close to the Ohio River, then you may choose to walk to work in the Cincinnati area! It only takes about 20 minutes to walk from Covington to downtown Cincinnati via the Roebling Bridge.
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Economy in Covington vs. Cincinnati
When it comes to jobs in Covington versus jobs in Cincinnati, you can expect more opportunities in the Cincinnati area. In fact, many people who live in Covington commute to Cincinnati for work. Ohio and Kentucky have entered into a reciprocity agreement that exempt each other’s residents from non-resident income taxes on wages earned in the other state. This means that if you are a resident of Kentucky, then you will pay income tax to Kentucky while the wages from your job in Ohio are exempt from Ohio income tax. You will just have to file for a refund during tax season. The employee tax rate for Covington is 2.45%, while the employee tax rate for Cincinnati is 1.8%.
Some of the biggest industries in Cincinnati include finance, manufacturing, and retail. There are many Fortune 500 companies that are headquartered in Cincinnati, including The Kroger Company, Fifth Third Bank, Procter & Gamble, and General Electric.
Weather in Covington vs. Cincinnati
The weather in Cincinnati and the weather in Covington are fairly similar. Both areas experience hot summers and cold, snowy winters.
Sports in Cincinnati vs. Covington
Wondering about sports in Cincinnati vs. Covington, KY? If you love sports, then Cincinnati is the place to be! Cincinnati is home to many major sports teams, such as the Cincinnati Reds, FC Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Bengals. The city is incredibly proud of its teams, and the fan culture is very prominent. Of course, you can always venture across the river to catch a game if you are living in Covington!
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Covington vs. Cincinnati: Where Are You Moving?
Now that you are aware of the pluses and minuses of each city, will you be choosing Cincinnati or Covington KY? Both areas have benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the city that best fits your lifestyle. If you choose The Queen City as your home, then let our Cincinnati movers help you. Call Bell Moving today at (513) 942-7500 to discuss your move and receive a free quote!
