Elder Care Cost: Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL (2026)
Chicago, IL assisted living runs $4,900/month — $1,300/month less than Los Angeles, CA's $6,200/month. That's $15,600/year.
Los Angeles, CA, CA
$6,200
assisted living/month
+$1,700 vs national avg
Chicago, IL, IL
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
Los Angeles, CA vs Chicago, IL — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Los Angeles, CA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,200/mo | $4,900/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,500/mo | $9,500/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,300/mo | $5,700/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,500/mo | $6,800/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,100/mo | $1,700/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Chicago, IL costs $58,800/year vs Los Angeles, CA's $74,400/year.
Monthly savings
$1,300
Annual savings
$15,600
2-year total savings
$31,200
% difference
27%
Savings = Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA or Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL has lower assisted living costs at $4,900/month vs. $6,200/month in Los Angeles, CA — a difference of $1,300/month ($15,600/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. Los Angeles, CA is $1,700 above the national average. Chicago, IL is $400 above the national average.