Cost of Living in Stillwater, MN
Population 19,323 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Stillwater sits on the smaller end of the Minnesota city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 15 miles east of St. Paul, Stillwater falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 42% higher than St. Paul's $280,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Stillwater
The median home value in Stillwater is $398,100 — 31% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,408/month, 7% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,297/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. Overall, Stillwater has a cost of living index of 121 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Stillwater, MN?
Stillwater has a cost index of 121 (100 = national average). It is 21% above the national average.
What is average rent in Stillwater, MN?
The median gross rent in Stillwater is $1,408 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Stillwater?
The median home value in Stillwater is $398,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Stillwater?
The median household income in Stillwater is $109,297 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Stillwater, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stillwater is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is Stillwater, MN affordable?
Stillwater is above average in cost of living, with an index of 121 — about 21% higher than the national average.
Stillwater at a Glance
- Population
- 19,323
- Median Income
- $109,297
- Home Value
- $398,100
- Median Rent
- $1,408/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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