RentData

Average Rent in Mankato, MN↑ Rents rising 5.0% YoY🔺 9th priciest in MN

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 103,736

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Mankato, MN has rental prices ranging from $1,016/month to $1,744/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,023/month — 27% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,722/year, spending $1,023/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Mankato Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,230/month, Mankato ranks #9 most expensive of the 76 cities tracked in Minnesota — pricier than 77% of all US cities in our data.

The Mankato Rental Market

The Mankato, MN area has a population of about 103,736 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Mankato, MN have risen by $59/month (5.0%) over the past year, from $1,171 to $1,230. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Mankato, MN without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,920. The local median household income of $74,722 exceeds that threshold by $33,802, making Mankato relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Mankato, MN is $303,583, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 20.6. With a break-even horizon of approximately 21 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,016
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,023
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,230
↑5.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,703
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,744
Affordable
🔔
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▼
Median Home Value
$303,583
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$1,616/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Mankato, MN Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$49,200/year
Local median income: $74,722
To buy a median home
$64,632/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,230/month and 20% down on a $303,583 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MNlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Minneapolis$1,265$1,427$1,734$2,264—
Duluth$841$961$1,207$1,671—
Lake County$848$942$1,236$1,489—
Fargo$781$903$1,104$1,529—
Rochester$1,183$1,226$1,422$1,969—
St. Cloud$884$961$1,233$1,656—

Rent or Buy in Mankato?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Mankato data

$
Home Value
$303,583
2BR Rent
$1,230/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,616/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,236/movs rent: $1,230/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $303,583 home at 7% rate

20% — $60,717
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$1,616
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$242,866
Total Paid
$581,687
Total Interest
$338,821
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Mankato

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Mankato

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

⚖️Rent vs Buy in Mankato

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Mankato

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MN

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⚖️Compare Mankato

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📋MN Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections