Minnetonka, MN vs Stillwater, MN

Stillwater is moderately more affordable than Minnetonka, with a 13.7% lower cost of living index. Minnetonka scores 127 compared to 112 for Stillwater, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Minnetonka can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Minnetonka is $1,758/month compared to $1,408/month in Stillwater — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stillwater is more affordable at $398,100 median vs $456,200.

Median household income in Minnetonka is $120,496 compared to $109,297 in Stillwater (+10.2%). The higher salaries in Minnetonka partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Minnetonka spend roughly 17.5% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Stillwater.

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