Cost of Living in Eau Claire, WI
Population 69,274 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Eau Claire offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $228,000 — costs less than 3.5 times median household income of $65,369, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago.
Located 75 miles northeast of Rochester, Eau Claire is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Eau Claire
The median home value in Eau Claire is $228,000 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $971/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,369/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 55.2°F and lows of 34.2°F, with about 55.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Eau Claire has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 23 | 28 | 41 | 57 | 70 | 79 | 83 | 80 | 72 | 58 | 42 | 29 |
| Low °F | 6 | 9 | 21 | 33 | 45 | 56 | 60 | 58 | 49 | 37 | 25 | 13 |
| Precip" | 1.03 | 1.10 | 1.97 | 3.08 | 3.91 | 4.83 | 3.61 | 4.18 | 3.65 | 2.49 | 1.79 | 1.35 |
| Snow" | 13.5 | 11.2 | 9.6 | 4.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 4.7 | 11.0 |
💨 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 Eau Claire, WI?
Eau Claire has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Eau Claire, WI?
The median gross rent in Eau Claire is $971 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Eau Claire?
The median home value in Eau Claire is $228,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Eau Claire?
The median household income in Eau Claire is $65,369 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Eau Claire, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Eau Claire is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Eau Claire, WI affordable?
Yes, Eau Claire is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Eau Claire?
Eau Claire has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 34.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33". Average annual snowfall is 55.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Eau Claire at a Glance
- Population
- 69,274
- Median Income
- $65,369
- Home Value
- $228,000
- Median Rent
- $971/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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Wisconsin Rankings
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