Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Eau Claire, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 7.1% cheaper than Eau Claire, WI. This translates to saving $529 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Eau Claire, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Eau Claire, WI, you'd need approximately $143,647.358 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Eau Claire, WI and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 8.5% cheaper than in Eau Claire, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $945/month in Eau Claire, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Eau Claire, WI to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Eau Claire, WI to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $529 per month, or $6353 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Eau Claire, WI vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Eau Claire, WI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Saint Paul, MN area

Current salary in Eau Claire, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $529/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.6K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 7.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$529

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Eau Claire, WI

Population:71K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$308K

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:93

Median Home:$263K

Eau Claire, WI

The Badger State

71K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 71K residents.

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Eau Claire, WI vs Columbus, OH

Category	Eau Claire, WI	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,243/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $190less	8.5%
🏥Healthcare	$726/mo	$607/mo	↓ $119less	16.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,272/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $93.62more	7.4%
📦Other	$1,590/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $33.32less	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$488/mo	$464/mo	↓ $23.56less	4.8%
🛒Groceries	$988/mo	$969/mo	↓ $19.13less	1.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.5%

Eau Claire, WI

$2,243

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$190

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.4%

Eau Claire, WI

$726

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$119

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 7.4%

Eau Claire, WI

$1,272

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$93.62

📦Other

↓ 2.1%

Eau Claire, WI

$1,590

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$33.32

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.8%

Eau Claire, WI

$488

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$23.56

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.9%

Eau Claire, WI

$988

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$19.13

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Eau Claire, WI has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$745

To$1,020

↑ $275

1 Bed

From$768

To$1,100

↑ $332

2 Bed

From$945

To$1,315

↑ $370

3 Bed

From$1,266

To$1,575

↑ $309

Eau Claire, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$980/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,308

Monthly in Eau Claire, WI

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$291

Difference

Home Values

Eau Claire

Columbus

$308K

Median Value

$263K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$279K - $338K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 15% less expensive than Eau Claire

Calculate payment - Eau Claire Calculate payment - Columbus

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$369

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

Eau Claire, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Eau Claire, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.