ElderCarePeek

New Mexico vs South Dakota: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

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

New Mexico

$8,760/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18%

South Dakota

$8,304/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 17.2%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

South Dakota 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 TypeNew MexicoSouth DakotaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$8,760/mo$8,304/mo+$456
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$7,908/mo$7,452/mo+$456
Assisted Living$4,250/mo$4,000/mo+$250
Home Health Aide$24.00/hr$26.00/hr$2.00
Adult Day Care$1,517/mo$1,517/mo$0
Homemaker Services$22.00/hr$24.00/hr$2.00

Annual Cost Comparison

New Mexico Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$105,120/yr
Assisted Living$51,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$50,688/yr
Adult Day Care$18,204/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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper nursing homes: New Mexico or South Dakota?
South Dakota has lower nursing home costs. New Mexico averages $8,760/month while South Dakota averages $8,304/month, a difference of $456/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between New Mexico and South Dakota?
Assisted living in New Mexico costs $4,250/month compared to $4,000/month in South Dakota.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $24.00/hour in New Mexico 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. New Mexico: New Mexico Medicaid covers nursing facilities. Mi Via and Centennial Care HCBS waivers 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