Elder Care Cost: Houston, TX vs San Jose, CA (2026)
Houston, TX assisted living runs $4,300/month — $2,200/month less than San Jose, CA's $6,500/month. That's $26,400/year.
Houston, TX, TX
$4,300
assisted living/month
-$200 vs national avg
San Jose, CA, CA
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Houston, TX vs San Jose, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Houston, TX | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,300/mo ✓ | $6,500/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $7,400/mo ✓ | $13,000/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $4,900/mo ✓ | $7,700/mo |
| Memory Care | $5,800/mo ✓ | $8,900/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,350/mo ✓ | $2,200/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Houston, TX costs $51,600/year vs San Jose, CA's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,200
Annual savings
$26,400
2-year total savings
$52,800
% difference
51%
Savings = San Jose, 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 Jose, CA?
Houston, TX has lower assisted living costs at $4,300/month vs. $6,500/month in San Jose, CA — a difference of $2,200/month ($26,400/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 Jose, CA is $2,000 above the national average.