Elder Care Cost: Denver, CO vs Washington, DC (2026)
Denver, CO assisted living runs $5,100/month — $1,400/month less than Washington, DC's $6,500/month. That's $16,800/year.
Denver, CO, CO
$5,100
assisted living/month
+$600 vs national avg
Washington, DC, DC
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Denver, CO vs Washington, DC — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Denver, CO | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $5,100/mo ✓ | $6,500/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $10,500/mo ✓ | $13,400/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,900/mo ✓ | $6,300/mo |
| Memory Care | $7,000/mo ✓ | $9,000/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo ✓ | $2,200/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Denver, CO costs $61,200/year vs Washington, DC's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,400
Annual savings
$16,800
2-year total savings
$33,600
% difference
27%
Savings = Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC?
Denver, CO has lower assisted living costs at $5,100/month vs. $6,500/month in Washington, DC — a difference of $1,400/month ($16,800/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. Washington, DC is $2,000 above the national average.