Average Rent in Eau Claire, WI↑ Rents rising 5.1% YoY

Eau Claire, WI has rental prices ranging from $831/month to $1,581/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $889/month — 36% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,513/year, spending $889/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Eau Claire Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,092/month, Eau Claire ranks #12 most expensive of the 63 cities tracked in Wisconsin — pricier than 74% of all US cities in our data.

The Eau Claire Rental Market

The Eau Claire, WI area has a population of about 172,886 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Eau Claire, WI have risen by $53/month (5.1%) over the past year, from $1,039 to $1,092. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Eau Claire, WI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,560. The local median household income of $72,513 exceeds that threshold by $36,953, making Eau Claire relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Eau Claire, WI is $320,964, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 24.5. With a break-even horizon of approximately 24 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Eau Claire's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North River Fronts ($200,480 median home value), North Side Hill ($208,317 median home value), West Riverside ($217,510 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Eau Claire, WI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Eau Claire?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Eau Claire

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.