ElderCarePeek

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

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

Kentucky

$7,756/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 17%

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 TypeKentuckySouth 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$22.00/hr$22.00/hr$0.00
Adult Day Care$1,300/mo$1,383/mo$83
Homemaker Services$20.00/hr$20.00/hr$0.00

Annual Cost Comparison

Kentucky Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$93,072/yr
Assisted Living$45,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$46,464/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: Kentucky or South Carolina?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. Kentucky averages $7,756/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $152/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Kentucky and South Carolina?
Assisted living in Kentucky costs $3,750/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $22.00/hour in Kentucky 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. Kentucky: Kentucky Medicaid covers nursing home care. Home and Community Based waiver (HCB) available for eligible seniors.... 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