Shakopee, MN vs Willmar, MN

The cost of living difference between Shakopee, MN and Willmar, MN is dramatic. Willmar is 50.6% cheaper than Shakopee, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Shakopee has a cost index of 111 while Willmar sits at 74, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Shakopee is $1,495/month compared to $830/month in Willmar — a 80% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Willmar is more affordable at $186,000 median vs $361,400.

Median household income in Shakopee is $110,989 compared to $63,368 in Willmar (+75.1%). While Shakopee is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Shakopee spend roughly 16.2% 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). Shakopee receives more rainfall at 30.6" per year compared to 28" in Willmar.