Business. Life. Balance.
City of Eau Claire Economic Development Division

Cost of Living

With rising costs of inflation affecting the entire nation, it is important to find a place that is affordable to live and raise a family. In order to determine how Eau Claire's living costs compare to other cities, we routinely participate in the nationwide Accra Cost of Living Index, a government-recognized survey that accurately and reliably compares individual city data. Every quarter we collect prices from local retailers and service providers in order to give current and prospective residents important information about Cost of Living in Eau Claire.

 

Eau Claire Ranks Lowest in Wisconsin During 2nd Quarter of 2009

In the 2nd quarter of 2009, the ACCRA Cost of Living Index Eau Claire received an index of 92.7. This is compared to national average of 100. Here is a comparison to other Wisconsin cities.
City Q2 2009
Janesville 96.2
Appleton 95.4
Sheboygan 97.1
Wausau 97.1
Green Bay 94.0
Wisconsin Rapids 97.0
Eau Claire 92.7
WI average 95.64

 

Cost Of Living Index of Wisconsin Cities

 

Long-term Trend in Eau Claire

Throughout our time of participation in the survey, Eau Claire's cost of living has consistently ranked below the national average. According to the final 2007 data readings, Eau Claire received an overall ranking of 94.8, which was well under the national average of 100. The most recent data from second quarter of 2009, indicate that Eau Claire is maintaining its below average status at 92.7. Low cost of living is advantageous for the city as well as its residents and encourages cultural diversity.

  Q2-07 Q3-07 Q4-07 Q1-08 Q2-08 Q3-08 Q4-08 Q1-09 Q2-09
Composite Index 95.1 94.3 94.6 97.3 94.4 91.3 94.4 93.2 92.7

 

Calculator

Use this handy tool to find out how Eau Claire compares to your current place of residence. It is provided by the C2ER ACCRA Cost of Living Index.