Eagan, MN vs. Brooklyn Park, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Eagan and Brooklyn Park, two popular Twin Cities suburbs, offer distinct lifestyles just miles apart. Eagan boasts top-rated schools and quick access to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Brooklyn Park features ample parks and more affordable housing. But which city fits your budget in 2025? Let’s break it down:
- 🏠 Median home price: Eagan $450K, Brooklyn Park $350K
- ⚡ Average utility bill: Eagan $180/month, Brooklyn Park $160/month
- 🥑 Groceries for family of 4: Eagan $1,100/month, Brooklyn Park $950/month
- 💸 Sales tax rate: Eagan 7.375%, Brooklyn Park 7.275%
For relocating families and young professionals, cost of living is a central factor. In 2025, with remote work prevalent and urban amenities at a premium, choosing between Eagan and Brooklyn Park means weighing space, affordability, and access. Let’s dive into the key costs that will shape your decision.
1. Housing Costs
Housing dominates most household budgets, and Eagan and Brooklyn Park offer distinct options. In Eagan, expect to pay around $1,800 per month for a typical 2-bedroom apartment rental, while a 3-bedroom single-family home runs closer to $2,400 monthly. Buying in Eagan? Prepare for a median home price around $450,000 as of 2025.
Brooklyn Park generally offers more affordable housing, with 2-bedroom apartments averaging $1,500 monthly and 3-bedroom houses around $2,000. For homebuyers, the median price in Brooklyn Park hovers near $350,000, a full $100K less than Eagan.
| Housing Type | Eagan Monthly Cost | Brooklyn Park Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,400 | $2,000 |
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $350,000 |
For young professionals, Eagan’s higher housing costs may be offset by its proximity to major employers and the airport. Families looking to stretch their budget often find better value and more spacious options in Brooklyn Park, especially in the owner-occupied market.
🏆 Winner: Brooklyn Park
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs don’t vary drastically between the two cities but can add up over time. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer in an average Eagan home. Brooklyn Park residents pay closer to $160 for the same utilities.
Both cities experience chilly Minnesota winters and warm summers, so budget for higher heating and cooling needs than more temperate climates. Families can expect to pay $20-30 more per month than a single-person household. Take advantage of energy-saving programs like Xcel Energy’s Saver’s Switch to trim costs.
🏆 Winner: Brooklyn Park
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family in Eagan typically runs about $1,100 per month, while Brooklyn Park residents can expect to spend closer to $950. Both cities offer a mix of major grocery chains, discount stores, and specialty markets.
Eating out also tends to be slightly pricier in Eagan, with dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant averaging $60 compared to $50 in Brooklyn Park. However, Eagan boasts a wider variety of dining options, especially along the bustling I-494 corridor.
For everyday purchases like toiletries and household goods, big-box retailers in both cities offer competitive prices. Single residents can get by on about $350 per month for groceries and essentials, while families should budget closer to $1,000.
🏆 Winner: Brooklyn Park
4. Taxes and Fees
Eagan homeowners pay an effective property tax rate of 1.3%, slightly higher than Brooklyn Park’s 1.2%. On a $400,000 home, that’s a difference of about $400 per year. Both cities charge a local sales tax on top of Minnesota’s 6.875% state rate, totaling 7.375% in Eagan and 7.275% in Brooklyn Park.
One often-overlooked cost in Eagan is homeowners association (HOA) fees, which can add $200-300 per month in some neighborhoods. While less common in Brooklyn Park, always factor HOA dues into your monthly budget when comparing properties.
🏆 Winner: Brooklyn Park
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Eagan | Brooklyn Park |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR rental) | $2,400 | $2,000 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries (family of 4) | $1,100 | $950 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes (property + sales) | $1,200 | $1,000 |
| Misc. Expenses | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,580 | $4,740 |
Based on these estimates, a typical family would spend about $840 more per month living in Eagan compared to Brooklyn Park, or just over $10,000 per year. For high-income earners, Eagan’s premium may be worthwhile for its amenities and location. But for budget-conscious households, Brooklyn Park offers significant savings.
Keep in mind these are averages and your actual cost of living in Eagan or Brooklyn Park may vary based on your specific housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices. Use these figures as a starting point for your own budget planning.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Aside from raw costs, consider how each city’s lifestyle meshes with your priorities. Eagan offers a slightly shorter average commute at 24 minutes vs. 26 minutes in Brooklyn Park. However, Brooklyn Park has an edge in walkability, with a Walk Score of 45 compared to Eagan’s 36, meaning more errands can be accomplished on foot.
Both cities provide ample outdoor recreation, from Eagan’s Lebanon Hills Regional Park to Brooklyn Park’s miles of trails along the Mississippi River. But Eagan pulls ahead for arts and culture, with venues like the Eagan Art House and close proximity to Minneapolis museums.
Factor in your family’s needs and preferences, too. Eagan’s schools consistently rank among Minnesota’s best, while Brooklyn Park offers more affordable youth sports programs. Eagan also tends to experience slightly less crime than Brooklyn Park.
7. FAQs
Q: Is it cheaper to raise a family in Eagan or Brooklyn Park?
A: For most families, Brooklyn Park offers a lower overall cost of living, especially in housing and child-related expenses like groceries and activities. However, Eagan’s highly-rated schools may be worth the premium for some parents.
Q: Which city has more affordable healthcare?
A: Costs are comparable, as both cities have access to major providers like HealthPartners and M Health Fairview. However, Eagan does offer more specialists and clinics within its borders.
Q: Do property taxes make Eagan more expensive long-term?
A: Eagan’s slightly higher property tax rate can add up over years of homeownership. But for shorter-term residents or renters, the difference may be negligible compared to other costs.
Q: How do transportation costs compare between the two cities?
A: Assuming a 15-mile daily commute, Eagan residents spend about $200 per month on gas and vehicle maintenance, while Brooklyn Park residents average $180. Public transit passes cost the same in both cities ($120/month).
Q: Are utility rates expected to rise more in one city or the other?
A: Utility rates are set at the regional level by providers like Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. Therefore, Eagan and Brooklyn Park residents can expect to see similar rate increases (or decreases) over time.
8. Conclusion
Choosing between Eagan and Brooklyn Park ultimately comes down to your household priorities and budget. Young professionals may lean toward Eagan for its robust job market and urban access, while growing families often prefer Brooklyn Park’s affordable homes and kid-friendly amenities.
Consider not just monthly expenses, but long-term costs like property taxes and home value appreciation. And don’t forget to factor in intangibles like school quality, commute times, and recreational options. No matter which city you choose, you’ll find welcoming neighbors and a thriving community in these Twin Cities suburbs.
Need help with your monthly budget in Eagan or comparing living costs in other cities? Check out our full library of cost-of-living resources and guides at IndexYard.