Eau Claire

Eua Claire, WI is known for its many bridges.
Downtown Eau Claire has sculptures and local businesses to explore.
Downtown Eau Claire has sculptures and local businesses to explore.
The city got its name from the Eau Claire River that runs through it.
There are many parks and trails in Eau Claire.

Eau Claire, WI Area Guide

A picturesque college town in western Wisconsin

College Town Charming Scenic Riverside Eclectic Affordable

Located at the meeting point of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers, Eau Claire combines city living with natural surroundings. This Wisconsin city of approximately 73,000 residents offers various rental options throughout its downtown district and residential areas. The rental market shows one-bedroom units averaging $1,121 per month, while two-bedroom apartments typically rent for $1,299. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus adds to the city's educational and cultural landscape. Notable areas include the historic Third Ward, Water Street district, and East Hill neighborhood.

The Pablo Center at the Confluence anchors the city's arts scene, presenting performing arts and musical events year-round. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation at Carson Park, featuring a 1937 baseball stadium, and Phoenix Park, home to a seasonal farmers market and summer concerts. The city's name, French for "clear water," reflects its heritage and connection to its rivers. Eau Claire has developed into a notable arts destination, particularly recognized for its indie music scene and the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival. As Wisconsin's second fastest-growing major city, Eau Claire maintains a balance of city amenities while preserving its distinctive character.

Explore the City

There are many parks and trails in Eau Claire.

The city got its name from the Eau Claire River that runs through it.

Downtown Eau Claire has sculptures and local businesses to explore.

Rent Trends

As of March 2026, the average apartment rent in Eau Claire, WI is $995 for a studio, $1,119 for one bedroom, $1,383 for two bedrooms, and $1,639 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Eau Claire has decreased by -2.5% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,119/month
683 Sq Ft
House
$1,656/month
902 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,488/month
1,397 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Eau Claire, WI

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Eau Claire, WI is 2.0% lower than the national average. Generally, housing in Eau Claire is 6.2% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $995 - $1,639. You can expect to pay 2.3% less for groceries, 6.4% less for utilities, and 2.1% less for transportation.

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Getting Around

Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Eau Claire, WI is for everyday living.

Car-Dependent

48 / 100

This area is considered a car-dependent area and most errands will require a car.

Bikeable

52 / 100

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Meadowview Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

Robbins Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

Davey Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

Putnam Heights Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

DeLong Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

South Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

Northstar Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

Second Avenue School

Public

Grades K-12

Memorial High

Public

Grades 9-12

North High

Public

Grades 9-12

Second Avenue School

Public

Grades K-12

Oxford Avenue School

Public

Grades 9-12

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Children's Museum of Eau Claire
  • L.E. Phillips Planetarium

Military Bases

Top Apartments in Eau Claire

Houses for Rent in Eau Claire

Property Management Companies in Eau Claire, WI

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.