Elder Care Cost: Boston, MA vs San Francisco, CA (2026)
Boston, MA assisted living runs $6,300/month — $700/month less than San Francisco, CA's $7,000/month. That's $8,400/year.
Boston, MA, MA
$6,300
assisted living/month
+$1,800 vs national avg
San Francisco, CA, CA
$7,000
assisted living/month
+$2,500 vs national avg
Boston, MA vs San Francisco, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Boston, MA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,300/mo ✓ | $7,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $14,500/mo | $14,000/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $6,700/mo ✓ | $8,200/mo |
| Memory Care | $8,700/mo ✓ | $9,600/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $2,200/mo ✓ | $2,400/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Boston, MA costs $75,600/year vs San Francisco, CA's $84,000/year.
Monthly savings
$700
Annual savings
$8,400
2-year total savings
$16,800
% difference
11%
Savings = San Francisco, CA cost minus Boston, MA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Boston, MA is more affordable — lower cost on 4 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Boston, MA or San Francisco, CA?
Boston, MA has lower assisted living costs at $6,300/month vs. $7,000/month in San Francisco, CA — a difference of $700/month ($8,400/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. San Francisco, CA is $2,500 above the national average.