Elder Care Cost: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA (2026)
Chicago, IL assisted living runs $4,900/month — $1,100/month less than Seattle, WA's $6,000/month. That's $13,200/year.
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
Seattle, WA, WA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,900/mo ✓ | $6,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,500/mo ✓ | $12,200/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,700/mo ✓ | $6,900/mo |
| Memory Care | $6,800/mo ✓ | $8,300/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo ✓ | $2,100/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Chicago, IL costs $58,800/year vs Seattle, WA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,100
Annual savings
$13,200
2-year total savings
$26,400
% difference
22%
Savings = Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA?
Chicago, IL has lower assisted living costs at $4,900/month vs. $6,000/month in Seattle, WA — 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. Seattle, WA is $1,500 above the national average.