Elder Care Cost: Boston, MA vs Portland, OR (2026)
Portland, OR assisted living runs $5,400/month — $900/month less than Boston, MA's $6,300/month. That's $10,800/year.
Boston, MA, MA
$6,300
assisted living/month
+$1,800 vs national avg
Portland, OR, OR
$5,400
assisted living/month
+$900 vs national avg
Boston, MA vs Portland, OR — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Boston, MA | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,300/mo | $5,400/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $14,500/mo | $11,500/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $6,700/mo | $6,300/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,700/mo | $7,500/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,200/mo | $1,900/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Portland, OR costs $64,800/year vs Boston, MA's $75,600/year.
Monthly savings
$900
Annual savings
$10,800
2-year total savings
$21,600
% difference
17%
Savings = Boston, MA cost minus Portland, OR cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Portland, OR is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Boston, MA or Portland, OR?
Portland, OR has lower assisted living costs at $5,400/month vs. $6,300/month in Boston, MA — a difference of $900/month ($10,800/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. Boston, MA is $1,800 above the national average. Portland, OR is $900 above the national average.