Elder Care Cost: Los Angeles, CA vs Washington, DC (2026)
Los Angeles, CA assisted living runs $6,200/month — $300/month less than Washington, DC's $6,500/month. That's $3,600/year.
Los Angeles, CA, CA
$6,200
assisted living/month
+$1,700 vs national avg
Washington, DC, DC
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Los Angeles, CA vs Washington, DC — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Los Angeles, CA | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,200/mo ✓ | $6,500/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,500/mo ✓ | $13,400/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $7,300/mo | $6,300/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,500/mo ✓ | $9,000/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $2,100/mo ✓ | $2,200/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Los Angeles, CA costs $74,400/year vs Washington, DC's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$300
Annual savings
$3,600
2-year total savings
$7,200
% difference
5%
Savings = Washington, DC cost minus Los Angeles, CA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Los Angeles, CA is more affordable — lower cost on 4 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Los Angeles, CA or Washington, DC?
Los Angeles, CA has lower assisted living costs at $6,200/month vs. $6,500/month in Washington, DC — a difference of $300/month ($3,600/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. Washington, DC is $2,000 above the national average.