Mankato, MN vs Willmar, MN

Willmar is moderately more affordable than Mankato, with a 13.8% lower cost of living index. Mankato scores 84 compared to 74 for Willmar, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mankato can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Mankato is $1,089/month compared to $830/month in Willmar — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Willmar is more affordable at $186,000 median vs $250,600.

Median household income in Mankato is $64,826 compared to $63,368 in Willmar (+2.3%). Mankato does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Mankato spend roughly 20.2% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in Willmar.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.7°F vs 45.4°F). Mankato receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 28" in Willmar.