A-
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
5%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index North Mankato Minnesota National
Cost of living102100100
Groceries100100100
Health care101100100
Housing105100100
Transportation97100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare10499100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in North Mankato, MN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in North Mankato is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in North Mankato is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in North Mankato is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is North Mankato Affordable?

Is North Mankato affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take North Mankato, for instance, where the median home price falls 12.7% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 12.3% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with North Mankato flaunting a median household income of $106,059, 30.4% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in North Mankato?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In North Mankato, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.875%, and the income tax rates commence at 5.35%.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In North Mankato, healthcare costs are 0.5% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In North Mankato, the groceries index is 0.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for North Mankato are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in North Mankato is 2% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in North Mankato is 2% higher than the national average
  • North Mankato housing is 5% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota general sales tax is 35% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota state income tax is 106% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around North Mankato

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Compare North Mankato, MN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$130,175$10,848$3,037$3,906
      Renters$54,212$4,518$1,265$1,627
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in North Mankato is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. North Mankato has a median income of about $130,175 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,037 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $54,212. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,265 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Minnesota Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Minnesota 6.875% 7.875%

      Minnesota Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Minnesota 5.35% 9.85%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kasota, MN755919.1%
      Good Thunder, MN569918.5%
      St. Clair, MN779955.0%
      Cleveland, MN819954.7%
      Garden City, MN243964.2%
      North Mankato, MN14,3441021.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lakeland North, WA14,34213535.5%
      Waunakee, WI14,34612221.6%
      Greenwood, MS14,3478217.6%
      Chicago Ridge, IL14,340991.3%
      Lavaltrie, QC14,339n/a 
      North Mankato, MN14,3441021.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.