Elder Care Cost: Charlotte, NC vs Philadelphia, PA (2026)
Charlotte, NC assisted living runs $4,200/month — $900/month less than Philadelphia, PA's $5,100/month. That's $10,800/year.
Charlotte, NC, NC
$4,200
assisted living/month
-$300 vs national avg
Philadelphia, PA, PA
$5,100
assisted living/month
+$600 vs national avg
Charlotte, NC vs Philadelphia, PA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Charlotte, NC | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,200/mo ✓ | $5,100/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,000/mo ✓ | $11,200/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $4,800/mo ✓ | $5,700/mo |
| Memory Care | $5,900/mo ✓ | $7,000/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 Philadelphia, PA's $61,200/year.
Monthly savings
$900
Annual savings
$10,800
2-year total savings
$21,600
% difference
21%
Savings = Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA?
Charlotte, NC has lower assisted living costs at $4,200/month vs. $5,100/month in Philadelphia, PA — 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. Charlotte, NC is $300 below the national average. Philadelphia, PA is $600 above the national average.