Elder Care Cost: Memphis, TN vs Washington, DC (2026)
Memphis, TN assisted living runs $3,900/month — $2,600/month less than Washington, DC's $6,500/month. That's $31,200/year.
Memphis, TN, TN
$3,900
assisted living/month
-$600 vs national avg
Washington, DC, DC
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Memphis, TN vs Washington, DC — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Memphis, TN | Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $3,900/mo ✓ | $6,500/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $7,900/mo ✓ | $13,400/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $4,200/mo ✓ | $6,300/mo |
| Memory Care | $5,500/mo ✓ | $9,000/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,250/mo ✓ | $2,200/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Memphis, TN costs $46,800/year vs Washington, DC's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,600
Annual savings
$31,200
2-year total savings
$62,400
% difference
67%
Savings = Washington, DC cost minus Memphis, TN cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Memphis, TN is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Memphis, TN or Washington, DC?
Memphis, TN has lower assisted living costs at $3,900/month vs. $6,500/month in Washington, DC — a difference of $2,600/month ($31,200/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. Memphis, TN is $600 below the national average. Washington, DC is $2,000 above the national average.