2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Eau Claire, WI vs Madison, WI

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Madison or is it cheaper to live in Eau Claire?
- Madison is 14.1% more expensive than Eau Claire.

Which city has more affordable housing, Madison or Eau Claire?
- Madison housing costs are 47.5% more expensive than Eau Claire housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Eau Claire or is Health Care more affordable in Madison.
- Health related expenses are 25.9% less in Madison.
 Eau Claire, WIMadison, WIUnited States
 Overall  Unlock103.4100
 Food & Groceries93.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.9100
 Housing76.4  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$337,500$338,100
 Utilities99  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock85.8100
 Miscellaneous129.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Eau Claire    27 Reviews

I was born in Spokane, Washington but we moved to Eau Claire when I was no more than 2 years old, so you can bet that all I remember is Eau Claire and Chippewa. I went  More

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Progressive business for its  More

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Over 10 years ago

I am considering moving there because summer in Denver CO metro area is too hot to me although it is dry. Eau Claire seems to be a best place to move but my most  More

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Reviews for Madison    78 Reviews

Unfortunately, a number of these reviews are politically based. Madison remains the only shining star in Wisconsin’s economy. The economy is broadly based, with  More

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Have been living in Madison for almost 3 years. It’s very safe, ppl generally friendly and for a town of its size it has fair number of good restaurants and interesting  More

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Lacks balance and zero accountability.   More

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