California vs South Carolina: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs.
Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs by $3,898/month ($46,776/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $233,880.
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Care Type | California | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $11,502/mo | $7,604/mo | +$3,898 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $10,220/mo | $6,844/mo | +$3,376 |
| Assisted Living | $5,750/mo | $3,750/mo | +$2,000 |
| Home Health Aide | $32.00/hr | $22.00/hr | +$10.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $2,017/mo | $1,383/mo | +$634 |
| Homemaker Services | $30.00/hr | $20.00/hr | +$10.00 |
Annual Cost Comparison
California Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$138,024/yr
Assisted Living$69,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$67,584/yr
Adult Day Care$24,204/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
Senior Care Planning Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has cheaper nursing homes: California or South Carolina?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. California averages $11,502/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $3,898/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between California and South Carolina?
Assisted living in California costs $5,750/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $32.00/hour in California 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. California: Medi-Cal covers nursing facility care. Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) and other waivers for community care.... 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