ElderCarePeek

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

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

Illinois

$7,148/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 16.1%

South Carolina

$7,604/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18.2%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

Illinois has lower nursing home costs by $456/month ($5,472/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $27,360.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeIllinoisSouth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$7,148/mo$7,604/mo$456
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$6,540/mo$6,844/mo$304
Assisted Living$4,750/mo$3,750/mo+$1,000
Home Health Aide$26.00/hr$22.00/hr+$4.00
Adult Day Care$1,650/mo$1,383/mo+$267
Homemaker Services$24.00/hr$20.00/hr+$4.00

Annual Cost Comparison

Illinois Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$85,776/yr
Assisted Living$57,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$54,912/yr
Adult Day Care$19,800/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: Illinois or South Carolina?
Illinois has lower nursing home costs. Illinois averages $7,148/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $456/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Assisted living in Illinois costs $4,750/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $26.00/hour in Illinois 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. Illinois: Illinois Medicaid covers nursing facilities. Community Care Program and various HCBS waivers available.... 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