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Arkansas vs South 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%

South Carolina

$7,604/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18.2%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

Arkansas has lower nursing home costs by $760/month ($9,120/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $45,600.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeArkansasSouth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$6,844/mo$7,604/mo$760
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$6,083/mo$6,844/mo$761
Assisted Living$3,800/mo$3,750/mo+$50
Home Health Aide$21.00/hr$22.00/hr$1.00
Adult Day Care$1,300/mo$1,383/mo$83
Homemaker Services$19.50/hr$20.00/hr$0.50

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

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: Arkansas or South Carolina?
Arkansas has lower nursing home costs. Arkansas averages $6,844/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $760/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Arkansas and South Carolina?
Assisted living in Arkansas costs $3,800/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $21.00/hour in Arkansas 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. Arkansas: Arkansas Medicaid covers nursing home care. ARChoices waiver for home-based services. Among the lowest cost states.... 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