Elder Care Cost: Chicago, IL vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)
Albuquerque, NM assisted living runs $4,100/month — $800/month less than Chicago, IL's $4,900/month. That's $9,600/year.
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
Albuquerque, NM, NM
$4,100
assisted living/month
-$400 vs national avg
Chicago, IL vs Albuquerque, NM — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Chicago, IL | Albuquerque, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,900/mo | $4,100/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,500/mo | $8,900/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $5,700/mo | $5,100/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $6,800/mo | $5,800/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo | $1,400/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Albuquerque, NM costs $49,200/year vs Chicago, IL's $58,800/year.
Monthly savings
$800
Annual savings
$9,600
2-year total savings
$19,200
% difference
20%
Savings = Chicago, IL cost minus Albuquerque, NM cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Albuquerque, NM is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Chicago, IL or Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque, NM has lower assisted living costs at $4,100/month vs. $4,900/month in Chicago, IL — 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. Chicago, IL is $400 above the national average. Albuquerque, NM is $400 below the national average.