ElderCarePeek

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

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

Pennsylvania

$10,068/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18.7%

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 $2,464/month ($29,568/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $147,840.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypePennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$10,068/mo$7,604/mo+$2,464
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$9,050/mo$6,844/mo+$2,206
Assisted Living$4,500/mo$3,750/mo+$750
Home Health Aide$25.00/hr$22.00/hr+$3.00
Adult Day Care$1,733/mo$1,383/mo+$350
Homemaker Services$23.00/hr$20.00/hr+$3.00

Annual Cost Comparison

Pennsylvania Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$120,816/yr
Assisted Living$54,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$52,800/yr
Adult Day Care$20,796/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: Pennsylvania or South Carolina?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. Pennsylvania averages $10,068/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $2,464/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Pennsylvania and South Carolina?
Assisted living in Pennsylvania costs $4,500/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $25.00/hour in Pennsylvania 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. Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Medicaid covers nursing home care. LIFE program and aging waiver for community services.... 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