Elder Care Cost: Denver, CO vs San Diego, CA (2026)
Denver, CO assisted living runs $5,100/month — $900/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $10,800/year.
Denver, CO, CO
$5,100
assisted living/month
+$600 vs national avg
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Denver, CO vs San Diego, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Denver, CO | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $5,100/mo ✓ | $6,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $10,500/mo ✓ | $12,000/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,900/mo ✓ | $7,100/mo |
| Memory Care | $7,000/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, Denver, CO costs $61,200/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$900
Annual savings
$10,800
2-year total savings
$21,600
% difference
18%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Denver, CO cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Denver, CO is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Denver, CO or San Diego, CA?
Denver, CO has lower assisted living costs at $5,100/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $900/month ($10,800/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. Denver, CO is $600 above the national average. San Diego, CA is $1,500 above the national average.