Massachusetts vs South Dakota: 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 Dakota 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 | South Dakota | 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 | $4,000/mo | +$1,750 |
| Home Health Aide | $30.00/hr | $26.00/hr | +$4.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $2,100/mo | $1,517/mo | +$583 |
| Homemaker Services | $28.00/hr | $24.00/hr | +$4.00 |
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
South Dakota Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$99,648/yr
Assisted Living$48,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$54,912/yr
Adult Day Care$18,204/yr
Senior Care Planning Resources
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Medicare Part A Coverage
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Elder Law Attorneys
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has cheaper nursing homes: Massachusetts or South Dakota?
South Dakota has lower nursing home costs. Massachusetts averages $13,992/month while South Dakota averages $8,304/month, a difference of $5,688/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Massachusetts and South Dakota?
Assisted living in Massachusetts costs $5,750/month compared to $4,000/month in South Dakota.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $30.00/hour in Massachusetts and $26.00/hour in South Dakota.
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.... South Dakota: South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing facilities. HOPE waiver for community-based alternatives....
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey