Elder Care Cost: Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA (2026)
Chicago, IL assisted living runs $4,900/month — $1,100/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $13,200/year.
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Chicago, IL vs San Diego, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Chicago, IL | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,900/mo ✓ | $6,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,500/mo ✓ | $12,000/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,700/mo ✓ | $7,100/mo |
| Memory Care | $6,800/mo ✓ | $8,200/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo ✓ | $2,050/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Chicago, IL costs $58,800/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,100
Annual savings
$13,200
2-year total savings
$26,400
% difference
22%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Chicago, IL cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Chicago, IL is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Chicago, IL or San Diego, CA?
Chicago, IL has lower assisted living costs at $4,900/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $1,100/month ($13,200/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. San Diego, CA is $1,500 above the national average.