Is Denver, CO cheaper than Eau Claire, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 13.6% more expensive than Eau Claire, WI. This translates to spending an extra $1020 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Eau Claire, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Eau Claire, WI, you'd need approximately $162,235.659 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Eau Claire, WI and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 44.8% more expensive than in Eau Claire, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $945/month in Eau Claire, WI.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $1020 more per month than Eau Claire, WI, or $12236 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Eau Claire, WI vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 spend $1.0K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.2K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 13.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,020

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.2K

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

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:114

Median Home:$513K

Eau Claire, WI

The Badger State

71K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Eau Claire, WI vs Denver, CO

Category	Eau Claire, WI	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,243/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $1,005more	44.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,272/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $189more	14.9%
📦Other	$1,590/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $184more	11.6%
🏥Healthcare	$726/mo	$632/mo	↓ $93.93less	12.9%
🛒Groceries	$988/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $40.83more	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$488/mo	$519/mo	↑ $31.09more	6.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 44.8%

Eau Claire, WI

$2,243

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$1,005

🚗Transportation

↑ 14.9%

Eau Claire, WI

$1,272

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$189

📦Other

↑ 11.6%

Eau Claire, WI

$1,590

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

$184

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.9%

Eau Claire, WI

$726

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$93.93

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 4.1%

Eau Claire, WI

$988

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

$40.83

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

Eau Claire, WI

$488

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$31.09

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

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$1,720

↑ $975

1 Bed

From$768

To$1,840

↑ $1,072

2 Bed

From$945

To$2,190

↑ $1,245

3 Bed

From$1,266

To$2,870

↑ $1,604

Eau Claire, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $980–$980/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$1,357

Difference

Home Values

Eau Claire

Denver

$308K

Median Value

$513K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$279K - $338K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 66% more expensive than Eau Claire

Calculate payment - Eau Claire Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$187

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Eau Claire, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.