South Dakota vs Washington: 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 $2,678/month ($32,136/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $160,680.
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Care Type | South Dakota | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $8,304/mo | $10,982/mo | $2,678 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $7,452/mo | $9,963/mo | $2,511 |
| Assisted Living | $4,000/mo | $5,750/mo | $1,750 |
| Home Health Aide | $26.00/hr | $31.00/hr | $5.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $1,517/mo | $2,017/mo | $500 |
| Homemaker Services | $24.00/hr | $29.00/hr | $5.00 |
Annual Cost Comparison
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
Washington Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$131,784/yr
Assisted Living$69,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$65,472/yr
Adult Day Care$24,204/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: South Dakota or Washington?
South Dakota has lower nursing home costs. South Dakota averages $8,304/month while Washington averages $10,982/month, a difference of $2,678/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between South Dakota and Washington?
Assisted living in South Dakota costs $4,000/month compared to $5,750/month in Washington.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $26.00/hour in South Dakota and $31.00/hour in Washington.
Which state has better Medicaid coverage for senior care?
Both states offer Medicaid coverage for nursing home care. South Dakota: South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing facilities. HOPE waiver for community-based alternatives.... Washington: Washington Medicaid covers nursing facilities. COPES waiver for home and community-based alternatives....
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey