Elder Care Cost: Charlotte, NC vs Chicago, IL (2026)
Charlotte, NC assisted living runs $4,200/month — $700/month less than Chicago, IL's $4,900/month. That's $8,400/year.
Charlotte, NC, NC
$4,200
assisted living/month
-$300 vs national avg
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
Charlotte, NC vs Chicago, IL — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Charlotte, NC | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,200/mo ✓ | $4,900/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,000/mo ✓ | $9,500/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $4,800/mo ✓ | $5,700/mo |
| Memory Care | $5,900/mo ✓ | $6,800/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,450/mo ✓ | $1,700/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Charlotte, NC costs $50,400/year vs Chicago, IL's $58,800/year.
Monthly savings
$700
Annual savings
$8,400
2-year total savings
$16,800
% difference
17%
Savings = Chicago, IL cost minus Charlotte, NC cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Charlotte, NC is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Charlotte, NC or Chicago, IL?
Charlotte, NC has lower assisted living costs at $4,200/month vs. $4,900/month in Chicago, IL — 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. Charlotte, NC is $300 below the national average. Chicago, IL is $400 above the national average.