Average Rent in Stillwater, MN: What to Expect in Your Budget

Moving to Stillwater is about more than just finding a roof over your head; it’s about buying into a lifestyle. You’ve got the St. Croix River right there, the historic lift bridge, and a downtown that feels like a permanent vacation spot. But that charm comes with a price tag, and if you are planning a move here, you need to know exactly what that looks like on a monthly basis.

Navigating the rental market here can be a little tricky because "average rent" can mean two very different things depending on whether you are looking for a modern apartment complex or a historic single-family home.

Let’s break down the real numbers so you can plan your budget with confidence.

When you start looking at listings, you might see numbers all over the map. That is because Stillwater has a mix of dedicated rental communities and privately owned homes for rent. If you focus strictly on traditional apartments, the average rent typically lands somewhere between $1,480 and $1,675 per month. That gets you into most of the solid, well-maintained buildings in town.

However, if you toss single-family homes into the mix—which many people do here because they want a yard or more space—the median rent jumps significantly. It is not uncommon to see the overall market median hovering around $2,400 to $2,550. This higher tier often includes those beautiful, larger historic homes or newer builds further from the river.

It is also worth noting that prices are trending upward. Stillwater has solidified itself as a desirable destination town, not just a quiet suburb. That popularity keeps vacancy rates relatively tight. When a rental with a river view or a great location hits the market, it usually doesn't sit empty for long.

To get a clearer picture of what you will actually pay, it helps to look at unit sizes. The price difference between a one-bedroom and a place suitable for roommates or a home office can be steeper than you might expect.

If you are looking for a studio apartment, inventory can be surprisingly scarce. Because there aren't thousands of them, the prices can be volatile. You might find a small unit in an older building for around $1,035, but luxury studios in newer developments can easily push past $1,400. Sometimes, grabbing a one-bedroom offers better value for just a little more money.

For most solo renters or couples, a 1-bedroom apartment is the standard entry point. You should generally budget between $1,300 and $1,590. This range usually covers everything from older, character-filled walk-ups to units in complexes with decent amenities.

If you need a 2-bedroom unit, perhaps for a guest room or workspace, expect a significant jump. Rents here often sit in the $1,500 to $2,000 range. That extra square footage comes at a premium because you are competing with small households who aren't quite ready to buy yet.

Once you get to 3-bedroom units, you are mostly leaving the traditional apartment world and entering the townhome or detached house market. Prices for these larger layouts generally start near $2,000 and can easily climb above $2,600 depending on the finishes and location.

One of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing between a managed apartment community and a private house rental. Stillwater has a robust inventory of single-family rentals, many of which are historic properties with incredible woodwork and charm. But that charm requires a different budget.

Renting a house almost always commands a premium. You are looking at $2,200 to $3,250+ for a nice 3- or 4-bedroom home. Beyond the rent check, you also need to factor in responsibilities. In a private house rental, you are often the one mowing the lawn and shoveling the driveway—or paying someone else to do it.

On the flip side, apartment complexes usually bundle those headaches into your rent. You also tend to get amenities like a gym, pool, or party room included. While some complexes charge amenity fees (often up to $50), it is usually cheaper than paying for a separate gym membership.

Another major difference is utilities. In an apartment, your heat and water might be subsidized or more efficient. If you rent a drafty 1900s Victorian home, you are likely paying 100% of the heating bill, and Minnesota winters can make that bill shockingly high.

Location within Stillwater changes the math quite a bit. You generally have two main zones: the historic downtown riverfront area and the more modern western edge near Highway 36.

Downtown and the Historic District are where you pay for the "Stillwater experience." If you want to walk to coffee shops, see the lift bridge from your window, and live in a walkable neighborhood, expect to pay a premium. Rents here can be 20% to 30% higher than similar units just a few miles away. You are paying for the view and the vibe.

The Western Edge closer to Highway 36 is more commuter-centric. This is where you find more modern apartment complexes and suburban-style townhomes. Prices here tend to align more closely with the standard market average of around $1,500. It might not have the same historic romance, but it is often more convenient for getting to work in St. Paul or Minneapolis, and you usually get more square footage for your dollar.

There are also pockets like North Hill and South Hill, which are primarily residential. These neighborhoods offer a mix of price points depending on whether a house has been recently renovated. A modernized home on the hill will rival downtown prices, while an older, unrenovated unit might offer a bargain.

If you are weighing Stillwater against the Twin Cities, it helps to frame it as a lifestyle choice rather than just a commute calculation. Stillwater generally prices itself comparably to upscale suburbs like Woodbury rather than the rural outlying areas.

Compared to prime Minneapolis neighborhoods like the North Loop or Uptown, Stillwater is generally slightly cheaper. A nice one-bedroom here might cost $1,450, whereas you could easily pay $1,600 or more for a smaller space in a trendy Minneapolis district.

However, Stillwater is often more expensive than older neighborhoods in St. Paul. The "vacation town" appeal keeps prices buoyant. The value proposition here isn't necessarily rock-bottom rent; it's that you get scenic views, access to the St. Croix, and a quieter pace of life for a price that would only get you a cramped apartment in the heart of the city.

Your rent check is the biggest line item, but it’s not the only one. When you put together your monthly budget, you need to account for the "hidden" costs of living in a Minnesota river town.

Utilities are the big wildcard. In the winter, heating costs are unavoidable. If you are in a standard apartment, electric bills might average $120–$150. But if you rent a house—especially an older one with original windows—gas bills can easily spike to $150–$200 a month when the temperature drops below zero.

Parking is another factor. In the downtown area, parking is at a premium. Some buildings charge extra for a dedicated stall or garage spot, sometimes up to $100 a month. Further out in the suburban-style complexes, parking is almost always included in your rent.

Commuting costs also add up. Stillwater is somewhat car-dependent. While it is walkable for leisure, most people working in the Twin Cities drive daily. Gas and wear-and-tear on your vehicle should be part of your moving to Minnesota checklist if you plan on commuting to the metro.

Local taxes and grocery costs in Washington County can also feel slightly higher than the national average, largely due to the affluence of the area. It is not unmanageable, but it is worth noting that your grocery bill might look a little different than it did in a rural town.

Before you start packing, it is good to know what landlords here are looking for. The standard lease in Stillwater is 12 months. Because this is a summer tourist hub, landlords often dislike leases that end in the dead of winter (when it is hard to fill units), so you might see 6-month or 18-month options popped up to align with the spring/summer leasing season.

Income requirements are fairly standard—most property managers want to see a gross income of roughly three times the monthly rent.

Pet owners should be careful. Many of the historic homes have strict "no pets" policies to protect original floors and woodwork. Modern complexes are much more pet-friendly, though they will almost certainly charge a pet deposit and a monthly pet fee.

Expect to pay an application fee and a security deposit typically equal to one month's rent upfront. If you are looking at a particularly high-end home, that deposit might be higher.

Generally, yes. You will typically pay less for more space in Stillwater compared to prime Minneapolis neighborhoods like the North Loop or Uptown. However, Stillwater can be pricier than older, residential neighborhoods in Minneapolis or St. Paul due to its desirable riverfront location.

For a standard apartment, budget around $120 to $150 for electricity and basic needs. If you rent a single-family home, especially an older one, be prepared for winter gas bills that can run $150 to $200 or more during the coldest months.

You should expect to see 1-bedroom apartments listing between $1,300 and $1,590 per month. Prices fluctuate based on how close you are to the historic downtown and whether the building has modern amenities.