Massachusetts vs North 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?
North Carolina has lower nursing home costs by $5,688/month ($68,256/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $341,280.
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Care Type | Massachusetts | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $13,992/mo | $8,304/mo | +$5,688 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $12,167/mo | $7,452/mo | +$4,715 |
| Assisted Living | $5,750/mo | $4,250/mo | +$1,500 |
| Home Health Aide | $30.00/hr | $23.00/hr | +$7.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $2,100/mo | $1,517/mo | +$583 |
| Homemaker Services | $28.00/hr | $21.00/hr | +$7.00 |
Annual Cost Comparison
Massachusetts Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$167,904/yr
Assisted Living$69,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$63,360/yr
Adult Day Care$25,200/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
Senior Care Planning Resources
Long-Term Care Insurance Quotes
Protect your savings with affordable LTC insurance coverage.
Medicaid Planning Services
Navigate Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies.
Medicare Part A Coverage
Understand what Medicare covers for skilled nursing facility care.
Elder Law Attorneys
Get legal help with estate planning and Medicaid spend-down rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has cheaper nursing homes: Massachusetts or North Carolina?
North Carolina has lower nursing home costs. Massachusetts averages $13,992/month while North Carolina averages $8,304/month, a difference of $5,688/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Assisted living in Massachusetts costs $5,750/month compared to $4,250/month in North Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $30.00/hour in Massachusetts 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. Massachusetts: MassHealth covers nursing facility care. Frail Elder waiver and Senior Care Options program available.... North Carolina: North Carolina Medicaid covers nursing facility care. Community Alternatives Program waivers available....
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey