salaryRent is lower than in 63% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.4 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 16.7 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $56,440 a year. That is $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Wisconsin cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Wisconsin. It is number 92 of 156 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Eau Claire?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.0% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Eau Claire
| Size | Eau Claire | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,118 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $927 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,195 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,525 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,493 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Eau Claire overall?
Everyday prices in the Eau Claire metro area are 7% below the U.S. average (index 92.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Eau Claire
Life in Eau Claire
What jobs pay in Eau Claire
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $149,720 | 11.3% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,530 | 12.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,090 | 13.0% |
| Lawyer | $116,320 | 14.6% |
| Software Developer | $104,490 | 16.2% |
| Operations Manager | $103,330 | 16.4% |
| Registered Nurse | $93,410 | 18.1% |
| Civil Engineer | $93,280 | 18.2% |
| Plumber | $92,720 | 18.3% |
| Dental Hygienist | $86,830 | 19.5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $81,420 | 20.8% |
| Accountant | $76,380 | 22.2% |
| Police Officer | $75,440 | 22.4% |
| Electrician | $75,380 | 22.5% |
| Market Research Analyst | $61,990 | 27.3% |
| HVAC Technician | $61,280 | 27.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,950 | 27.8% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,340 | 28.1% |
| Carpenter | $59,090 | 28.7% |
| Truck Driver | $57,220 | 29.6% |
| Medical Assistant | $48,160 | 35.2% |
| Customer Service Representative | $45,930 | 36.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $45,320 | 37.4% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,150 | 39.2% |
| Firefighter | $36,030 | 47.0% |
| Restaurant Cook | $35,780 | 47.3% |
| Retail Salesperson | $34,000 | 49.8% |
| Cashier | $31,440 | 53.9% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $29,720 | 57.0% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Eau Claire?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $307 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $247,600 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $24,760 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Eau Claire, WI?
Renting in Eau Claire costs a median of about $1,411 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Wisconsin median is $1,305.
How much do I need to make to live in Eau Claire?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $56,440 a year, or $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Eau Claire cheap or expensive?
Eau Claire is rated OK: rent takes 23.3% of the typical household income of $72,686. It ranks 92nd cheapest of 156 Wisconsin cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Eau Claire?
The median homeowner in Eau Claire pays $3,553 a year in property taxes, about 1.43% of the median home value.
Is Eau Claire more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 7% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Eau Claire?
The median home value in Eau Claire is $247,600, about 3.4 times the typical yearly household income.
70,322 people live in Eau Claire. Numbers are typical (middle) values.