Cost of Living in Mankato, MN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $853 (excluding rent), and $1,995 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,526 (excluding rent), and $4,081 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.71 $15.71

$14.73 $14.73

$26.52 $26.52

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$69.8 $69.8

$54.8 $54.8

$120 $120

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.91 $9.91

$12.14 $12.14

Cappuccino

$4.95 $4.95

$9.91 $9.91

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.99 $1.99

$3.47 $3.47

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.61 $1.61

$0.96 $0.96

$2.9 $2.9

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.08 $5.08

$3.05 $3.05

$7.11 $7.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.83 $5.83

$3.89 $3.89

$8.75 $8.75

Milk (1 liter)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.68 $0.68

$1.55 $1.55

White Bread (500g)

$2.46 $2.46

$1.08 $1.08

$3.57 $3.57

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.22 $2.22

$1.78 $1.78

$6.67 $6.67

Eggs

$3.34 $3.34

$1.98 $1.98

$8.88 $8.88

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.27 $8.27

$6.53 $6.53

$14.16 $14.16

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.4 $14.4

$8.6 $8.6

$26.34 $26.34

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.14 $17.14

$12.21 $12.21

$22.2 $22.2

Apples (1kg)

$4.49 $4.49

$2.86 $2.86

$11.09 $11.09

Banana (1kg)

$1.56 $1.56

$0.84 $0.84

$4.31 $4.31

Oranges (1kg)

$3.57 $3.57

$2.15 $2.15

$12.92 $12.92

Tomato (1kg)

$3.55 $3.55

$1.78 $1.78

$6.2 $6.2

Potato (1kg)

$4.26 $4.26

$1.88 $1.88

$8.95 $8.95

Onion (1kg)

$2.92 $2.92

$1.63 $1.63

$6.42 $6.42

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.28 $2.28

$1.9 $1.9

$2.93 $2.93

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.99 $11.99

$9.97 $9.97

$12.97 $12.97

Wine (Bottle)

$13.78 $13.78

$9.84 $9.84

$19.68 $19.68

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.74 $1.74

$3.96 $3.96

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.25 $4.25

$3.74 $3.74

$5.01 $5.01

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.03 $2.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.38 $1.38

$1.22 $1.22

$1.52 $1.52

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.25 $20.25

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.78 $0.78

$0.68 $0.68

$0.99 $0.99

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.6K $25.6K

$35.2K $35.2K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.4K $24.4K

$23.3K $23.3K

$24.8K $24.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$131 $131

$128 $128

$160 $160

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.9 $50.9

$21.84 $21.84

$89.4 $89.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$74.5 $74.5

$59 $59

$143 $143

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$39.88 $39.88

$29.91 $29.91

$49.84 $49.84

Cinema Ticket

$14.76 $14.76

$9.84 $9.84

$19.67 $19.67

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,343 $1,343

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12K $12K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$63.2 $63.2

$29.94 $29.94

$99.8 $99.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$36 $36

$17.16 $17.16

$60.6 $60.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.3 $72.3

$49.52 $49.52

$149 $149

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$144 $144

$60.4 $60.4

$252 $252

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$988 $988

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$890 $890

$790 $790

$990 $990

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,597 $2,597

$1,975 $1,975

$2,962 $2,962

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,484 $1,484

$2,473 $2,473

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,605 $1,605

$1,566 $1,566

$1,630 $1,630

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,596 $1,596

$1,558 $1,558

$1,621 $1,621

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,940 $3,940

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.61

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Mankato, MN - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Mankato, MN, United States offers a practical blend of affordable housing options, accessible services, and a hometown feel that many travelers and expats appreciate. You’ll typically find a range of rentals from older, character-filled homes to newer apartments, with prices that are more approachable than bigger regional hubs. Groceries, dining, and utilities vary by neighborhood, but the overall rhythm of life tends to be steady rather than flashy. This makes it appealing for remote workers, students, and families who want reasonable monthly expenses without sacrificing amenities. People who prioritize a short commute and local charm may find strong value here. Tip: Start with a neighborhood walk-through to compare daily convenience and commute times.

Daily life in Mankato centers on practical, walkable neighborhoods, with housing options ranging from riverfront apartments to family-friendly streets near downtown. For housing search, aim for leases that include heat or laundry to avoid seasonal shocks, and compare utilities across properties. Food options span farmers markets, local grocers, and familiar chains, making meal planning flexible for different budgets. Getting around is comfortable with a car, while bike paths and a modest bus network help you trim costs and stay active. If you’re budgeting, awareness of Mankato, MN, United States living cost helps you gauge where to live within the city’s neighborhoods. Tip: Try several short visits to test noise, transit access, and grocery trips.

Quality of life in Mankato comes from balancing your budget with simple routines and neighborhood feel. Start with a flexible budgeting framework – prioritize essential expenses, then reserve funds for experiences like seasonal markets, local parks, and free community events. In winter, focus on heating efficiency and layered clothing; in summer, enjoy outdoor activities that don’t require big spend. Scouting neighborhoods by vibe, access to groceries, and proximity to work or co-working spaces helps you find the fit that suits your pace. Small shifts – bulk cooking, buying in-season produce, and using public transit or bikes – add up over time. Tip: Build a monthly plan and adjust as you learn the rhythm of the city.