ElderCarePeek

Arkansas vs North Carolina: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

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

Arkansas

$6,844/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 17.5%

North Carolina

$8,304/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 17%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

Arkansas has lower nursing home costs by $1,460/month ($17,520/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $87,600.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeArkansasNorth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$6,844/mo$8,304/mo$1,460
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$6,083/mo$7,452/mo$1,369
Assisted Living$3,800/mo$4,250/mo$450
Home Health Aide$21.00/hr$23.00/hr$2.00
Adult Day Care$1,300/mo$1,517/mo$217
Homemaker Services$19.50/hr$21.00/hr$1.50

Annual Cost Comparison

Arkansas Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$82,128/yr
Assisted Living$45,600/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$44,352/yr
Adult Day Care$15,600/yr

North Carolina Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$99,648/yr
Assisted Living$51,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$48,576/yr
Adult Day Care$18,204/yr

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper nursing homes: Arkansas or North Carolina?
Arkansas has lower nursing home costs. Arkansas averages $6,844/month while North Carolina averages $8,304/month, a difference of $1,460/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Arkansas and North Carolina?
Assisted living in Arkansas costs $3,800/month compared to $4,250/month in North Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $21.00/hour in Arkansas and $23.00/hour in North Carolina.
Which state has better Medicaid coverage for senior care?
Both states offer Medicaid coverage for nursing home care. Arkansas: Arkansas Medicaid covers nursing home care. ARChoices waiver for home-based services. Among the lowest cost states.... North Carolina: North Carolina Medicaid covers nursing facility care. Community Alternatives Program waivers available....

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