Shakopee, MN vs Stillwater, MN

Shakopee, MN and Stillwater, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.3% difference in their overall index. Shakopee scores 111 while Stillwater scores 112 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Shakopee is $1,495/month compared to $1,408/month in Stillwater — a 6% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Stillwater has cheaper rent, Shakopee actually has lower median home values ($361,400 vs $398,100).

Median household income in Shakopee is $110,989 compared to $109,297 in Stillwater (+1.5%). Shakopee offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Shakopee spend roughly 16.2% 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). Shakopee receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 29.2" in Stillwater.