Cost of Living in Eau Claire, WI in 2025: What You Need to Know Before Moving

Cost of Living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 2025: What You Need to Know Before Moving

Thinking about moving to Eau Claire, Wisconsin? You’re not alone. With its growing reputation as a hidden gem in the Midwest, more and more people are considering making the leap—and if you're one of them, understanding the cost of living is essential.

Dan Gjerseth, CEO and Owner of the Dan Realty Group recently updated his breakdown of what it really costs to live in Eau Claire as of 2025. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, rent an apartment, or just want to understand the day-to-day expenses, here’s a full summary of what to expect.

🏠 Housing Costs in Eau Claire

Housing is usually the biggest expense for anyone relocating, and Eau Claire’s housing market remains relatively affordable—especially when compared to national averages.

• Average Home Price: ~$275,000
  You can certainly find options below or above this, with homes ranging from $175,000 to upwards of $750,000 depending on location and features.

• Compared Nationally: Eau Claire homes are approximately 19% cheaper than the national average.

• Compared to Wisconsin Overall: Prices are about 10–11% higher than the state average, due in part to Eau Claire’s more urban setting compared to the surrounding rural areas.

🏢 Renting in Eau Claire

Not ready to buy just yet? Renting is a popular option for new arrivals, and here’s what you can expect:

• 1-Bedroom Apartment: ~$1,100/month

• 2-Bedroom Apartment: ~$1,270/month

• 3-Bedroom Apartment: ~$1,500/month

These prices reflect modern, well-maintained apartments. If you're paying top dollar, expect decent amenities and locations.

🔌 Utilities

Utility costs in Eau Claire are pretty consistent with national averages:

• Gas, Electric, Water (Xcel Energy bills): $150–$200/month depending on the season.

• Garbage Collection: $20–$40/month

Winter heating can add to the expense, but during mild months, you might see your bills dip a bit.

🛒 Groceries and Food

Groceries in Eau Claire are actually 3% cheaper than the national average. Of course, this depends heavily on where you shop:

• Aldi is budget-friendly and great for produce.

• Hy-Vee tends to be more premium, especially known for its meat selection.

🏥 Healthcare

This might be the one area where costs are slightly higher:

• Healthcare in Eau Claire is about 10% more expensive than the national average.

Why? Eau Claire is something of a healthcare hub. With a major Mayo Clinic campus and a top-tier cancer center, people come here for both treatment and careers. High-quality care often comes with a higher price tag, but many consider it well worth the cost.

🚗 Transportation & Car Ownership

While transportation costs are fairly standard, there’s one local factor to keep in mind: salt.

• Winters in Eau Claire mean salt-covered roads, which lead to faster rust and wear on vehicles.

• Expect to rotate or replace your vehicle more often than you might if you’re coming from a southern state.

• Regular car washes in winter are a must if you want to fight off the rust.

❄️ Winter Expenses You Might Not Think Of

Welcome to the Midwest! Winters here are beautiful—but they come with extra costs:

• Winter Gear: Coats, boots, gloves—for you and your kids (and replacements as they grow).

• Snow Removal: Either invest in a good shovel and spend some time each snowfall… or pay for snow removal services.

These might not be huge expenses, but they're worth budgeting for if you’ve never lived in a snowy climate before.

💸 Overall Cost of Living

The big picture?

• Eau Claire's overall cost of living is around 10% lower than the U.S. average.

• Housing is affordable, healthcare is high-quality (but slightly pricier), and daily expenses like food and utilities are manageable.

It’s no wonder Eau Claire is now the second fastest-growing city in Wisconsin, right behind Madison. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or family, this city offers a great balance of affordability and opportunity.

📦 Thinking of Moving?

Dan Gjerseth & his team specialize in helping people move to Eau Claire from out of state. If you're coming from California, Florida, Texas—or anywhere else—he's got the experience to make your transition smooth.

Final Thoughts

Eau Claire isn’t just affordable—it’s livable. With its combination of reasonable housing prices, strong healthcare infrastructure, and overall lower cost of living, it’s easy to see why so many are making it their new home in 2025.

If you're looking for a welcoming, budget-friendly place to live with a strong sense of community and growing opportunities, Eau Claire might just be the perfect fit.