Mankato

The Riverfront Park neighborhood lies adjacent to downtown Mankato.
Residents can also utilize bike paths and bus routes to get around Mankato.
A row of traditional style homes in the Sibley Park neighborhood.
The confluence of the Blue Earth River and the Minnesota River borders Sibley Park.
Sibley Park has a decorative tractor next to the koi pond.

Mankato, MN Area Guide

A college town with charm

University Peaceful Riverfront

Located along the Minnesota River, Mankato combines small-city charm with the energy of a college town. As home to Minnesota State University, the city offers both peaceful residential areas and lively entertainment districts. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Sibley Park's riverside trails, while music lovers gather at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater for seasonal performances. Downtown Mankato preserves its historic character with local businesses, while River Hills Mall provides additional shopping options. The rental market remains strong, with one-bedroom apartments renting for $1,082, reflecting a 3.4% annual increase, while two-bedroom units average $1,232.

Mankato's housing landscape spans 20 square miles, featuring apartment communities near campus and established residential neighborhoods throughout the city. Minnesota State University, the state's second-largest university, anchors the local economy and enriches community life. The city celebrates its heritage through preserved landmarks like the Blue Earth County Courthouse and the R.D. Hubbard House, while its parks system provides year-round recreational opportunities. The rental market accommodates various needs, with studio apartments averaging $963 and three-bedroom residences available at approximately $1,563 monthly.

Explore the City

A row of traditional style homes in the Sibley Park neighborhood.

The confluence of the Blue Earth River and the Minnesota River borders Sibley Park.

Sibley Park has a decorative tractor next to the koi pond.

Residents can fish on the Rivershores of Land of Memories Park.

Front Street is lined with restaurants and is a popular destination in downtown Mankato.

Local food trucks serve areas in and around downtown Mankato and Five Corners.

Rent Trends

As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in Mankato, MN is $1,109 for a studio, $1,176 for one bedroom, $1,308 for two bedrooms, and $1,637 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Mankato has increased by 1.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,176/month
702 Sq Ft
House
$1,718/month
1,318 Sq Ft
Townhome
$2,105/month
1,569 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Mankato, MN

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mankato, MN is 6.4% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Mankato is 21.0% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,109 - $1,637. You can expect to pay 1.6% more for groceries, 4.8% less for utilities, and 2.7% less for transportation.

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Getting Around

Somewhat Walkable

Walkability

30 / 100

Exceptionally Drivable

Drivability

100 / 100

Fairly Bikeable

Bikeability

40 / 100

Schools

Washington Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

376 Students

Kennedy Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

370 Students

Roosevelt Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

333 Students

Franklin Elementary

Public

Grades PK-5

414 Students

Jefferson Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

204 Students

Prairie Winds Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

954 Students

Kato Public Charter School

Public

Grades 6-12

68 Students

Special Education

Public

Grades PK-12

267 Students

Central Middle School Alp

Public

Grades 6-8

Mankato West Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,223 Students

Mankato East Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,293 Students

Kato Public Charter School

Public

Grades 6-12

68 Students

Special Education

Public

Grades PK-12

267 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Rasmussen Woods-Elk's Nature Center
  • Mount Kato
  • Minneopa State Park
  • Linnaeus Arboretum

Top Apartments in Mankato

Houses for Rent in Mankato

Property Management Companies in Mankato, MN

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.

Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.