Elder Care Cost: Chicago, IL vs San Francisco, CA (2026)
Chicago, IL assisted living runs $4,900/month — $2,100/month less than San Francisco, CA's $7,000/month. That's $25,200/year.
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
San Francisco, CA, CA
$7,000
assisted living/month
+$2,500 vs national avg
Chicago, IL vs San Francisco, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Chicago, IL | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,900/mo ✓ | $7,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,500/mo ✓ | $14,000/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,700/mo ✓ | $8,200/mo |
| Memory Care | $6,800/mo ✓ | $9,600/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo ✓ | $2,400/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Chicago, IL costs $58,800/year vs San Francisco, CA's $84,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,100
Annual savings
$25,200
2-year total savings
$50,400
% difference
43%
Savings = San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA?
Chicago, IL has lower assisted living costs at $4,900/month vs. $7,000/month in San Francisco, CA — a difference of $2,100/month ($25,200/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 Francisco, CA is $2,500 above the national average.