Mankato

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Mankato, MN

Area Guide

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.

Rent Trends

As of November 2025, the average apartment rent in Mankato, MN is $1,094 for a studio, $1,131 for one bedroom, $1,252 for two bedrooms, and $1,598 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Mankato has increased by 2.4% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,131/month
694 Sq Ft
House
$1,814/month
891 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,889/month
1,464 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Mankato, MN

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mankato, MN is 5.4% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Mankato is 20.9% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,094 - $1,598. You can expect to pay 2.2% more for groceries, 0.7% less for utilities, and 3.1% less for transportation.

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Transportation

46

Car-Dependent

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

1

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.

57

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

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

Special Education

Public

Grades PK-12

267 Students

Mankato West Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,223 Students

Mankato East Senior High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,293 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 November 2025.