Can A Nursing Assistant Afford Rent in Eau Claire, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.7% of gross income.
Eau Claire rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin state estimate).
About rent and a nursing assistant salary
Nursing assistant (CNA) pay falls below the rent threshold for a one-bedroom in nearly every US metro, which is the central tension behind the widely studied direct-care workforce affordability gap. At the national-average CNA salary, the 30% rule supports about $990 a month in rent — below median rent in most cities. The per-city pages quantify how far below.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Eau Claire, which improves the affordability math on a nursing assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for Eau Claire
View full rent data for Eau Claire, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a nursing assistant afford rent in Eau Claire, WI?
Median rent in Eau Claire is $1,214 a month. A typical nursing assistant in Wisconsin earns about $37,630 a year, which makes that rent 38.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a nursing assistant afford in Eau Claire?
Using the 30% rule, a nursing assistant salary in Wisconsin (~$37,630/yr) supports up to $941 a month in rent. Eau Claire's current median rent is $1,214/mo, which is $273/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a nursing assistant work to cover rent in Eau Claire?
At an hourly equivalent of about $18 an hour, a nursing assistant in Wisconsin works roughly 67.1 hours a month to cover Eau Claire's median rent of $1,214.
Where is rent cheaper than Eau Claire for a nursing assistant?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Madison ($1,212/mo), Shorewood ($1,212/mo), Chippewa Falls ($1,211/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a nursing assistant salary.