Elder Care Cost: Houston, TX vs San Diego, CA (2026)
Houston, TX assisted living runs $4,300/month — $1,700/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $20,400/year.
Houston, TX, TX
$4,300
assisted living/month
-$200 vs national avg
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Houston, TX vs San Diego, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Houston, TX | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,300/mo ✓ | $6,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $7,400/mo ✓ | $12,000/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $4,900/mo ✓ | $7,100/mo |
| Memory Care | $5,800/mo ✓ | $8,200/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,350/mo ✓ | $2,050/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Houston, TX costs $51,600/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,700
Annual savings
$20,400
2-year total savings
$40,800
% difference
40%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Houston, TX cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Houston, TX is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Houston, TX or San Diego, CA?
Houston, TX has lower assisted living costs at $4,300/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $1,700/month ($20,400/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. Houston, TX is $200 below the national average. San Diego, CA is $1,500 above the national average.