ElderCarePeek

Alabama vs South Carolina: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

Side-by-side comparison of nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs.

Alabama

$7,756/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 17.4%

South Carolina

$7,604/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18.2%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

South Carolina has lower nursing home costs by $152/month ($1,824/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $9,120.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeAlabamaSouth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$7,756/mo$7,604/mo+$152
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$6,935/mo$6,844/mo+$91
Assisted Living$3,750/mo$3,750/mo$0
Home Health Aide$21.00/hr$22.00/hr$1.00
Adult Day Care$1,517/mo$1,383/mo+$134
Homemaker Services$20.00/hr$20.00/hr$0.00

Annual Cost Comparison

Alabama Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$93,072/yr
Assisted Living$45,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$44,352/yr
Adult Day Care$18,204/yr

South Carolina Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$91,248/yr
Assisted Living$45,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$46,464/yr
Adult Day Care$16,596/yr

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper nursing homes: Alabama or South Carolina?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. Alabama averages $7,756/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $152/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Alabama and South Carolina?
Assisted living in Alabama costs $3,750/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $21.00/hour in Alabama and $22.00/hour in South Carolina.
Which state has better Medicaid coverage for senior care?
Both states offer Medicaid coverage for nursing home care. Alabama: Medicaid covers nursing home care for eligible residents. Alabama Medicaid waiver programs available for home and commun... South Carolina: South Carolina Medicaid covers nursing home care. Community Choices waiver for home-based services....

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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey