Eau Claire, WI vs Madison, WI: Cost of Living Comparison
Eau Claire has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Eau Claire | Madison | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 80 | 100 | Eau Claire |
| Housing | 65 ($680) | 100 ($955) | Eau Claire |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 88 ($361) | 103 ($422) | Eau Claire |
| Utilities | 83 ($117) | 100 ($180) | Eau Claire |
| Healthcare | 83 ($85) | 100 ($130) | Eau Claire |
| Median annual wage | 104 ($50,270) | 104 ($50,270) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eau Claire, WI or Madison, WI cheaper to live in?
Eau Claire, WI is cheaper overall by about 20 index points (Eau Claire, WI: 80, Madison, WI: 100; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Eau Claire, WI vs Madison, WI?
A single adult needs roughly $28,000/year in Eau Claire, WI and $35,000/year in Madison, WI to cover basic living costs.