Elder Care Cost: Baltimore, MD vs San Diego, CA (2026)
Baltimore, MD assisted living runs $5,200/month — $800/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $9,600/year.
Baltimore, MD, MD
$5,200
assisted living/month
+$700 vs national avg
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Baltimore, MD vs San Diego, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Baltimore, MD | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $5,200/mo ✓ | $6,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $11,400/mo ✓ | $12,000/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,600/mo ✓ | $7,100/mo |
| Memory Care | $7,200/mo ✓ | $8,200/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,900/mo ✓ | $2,050/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Baltimore, MD costs $62,400/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$800
Annual savings
$9,600
2-year total savings
$19,200
% difference
15%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Baltimore, MD cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Baltimore, MD is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Baltimore, MD or San Diego, CA?
Baltimore, MD has lower assisted living costs at $5,200/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $800/month ($9,600/year).
What types of elder care are compared here?
This page compares five common senior care types: assisted living, nursing home (private room), in-home aide (44 hrs/week), memory care, and adult day care. These cover the full range from part-time supervision to full residential skilled nursing care.
How do these cities compare to the national average?
The national average for assisted living is $4,500/month. Baltimore, MD is $700 above the national average. San Diego, CA is $1,500 above the national average.