Elder Care Cost: Chicago, IL vs El Paso, TX (2026)
El Paso, TX assisted living runs $3,700/month — $1,200/month less than Chicago, IL's $4,900/month. That's $14,400/year.
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
El Paso, TX, TX
$3,700
assisted living/month
-$800 vs national avg
Chicago, IL vs El Paso, TX — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Chicago, IL | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,900/mo | $3,700/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,500/mo | $6,900/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $5,700/mo | $4,300/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $6,800/mo | $5,100/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo | $1,200/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, El Paso, TX costs $44,400/year vs Chicago, IL's $58,800/year.
Monthly savings
$1,200
Annual savings
$14,400
2-year total savings
$28,800
% difference
32%
Savings = Chicago, IL cost minus El Paso, TX cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, El Paso, TX is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Chicago, IL or El Paso, TX?
El Paso, TX has lower assisted living costs at $3,700/month vs. $4,900/month in Chicago, IL — a difference of $1,200/month ($14,400/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. Chicago, IL is $400 above the national average. El Paso, TX is $800 below the national average.