Cost of Living in Eau Claire, WI

With a cost of living index of 80, Eau Claire, WI is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Wisconsin state average. With a population of 69,274, Eau Claire is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Eau Claire's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $971 (26% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $228,000 (25% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Eau Claire is $65,369, which is 13% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the Eau Claire, WI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.