Hastings, MN vs Mankato, MN

Mankato is moderately more affordable than Hastings, with a 14.6% lower cost of living index. Hastings scores 97 compared to 84 for Mankato, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hastings can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Hastings is $1,184/month compared to $1,089/month in Mankato — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mankato is more affordable at $250,600 median vs $294,100.

Median household income in Hastings is $92,940 compared to $64,826 in Mankato (+43.4%). While Hastings is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hastings spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.2% in Mankato.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.5°F vs 46.7°F). Mankato receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 29.2" in Hastings.