Elder Care Cost: Philadelphia, PA vs Boston, MA (2026)
Philadelphia, PA assisted living runs $5,100/month — $1,200/month less than Boston, MA's $6,300/month. That's $14,400/year.
Philadelphia, PA, PA
$5,100
assisted living/month
+$600 vs national avg
Boston, MA, MA
$6,300
assisted living/month
+$1,800 vs national avg
Philadelphia, PA vs Boston, MA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Philadelphia, PA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $5,100/mo ✓ | $6,300/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $11,200/mo ✓ | $14,500/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,700/mo ✓ | $6,700/mo |
| Memory Care | $7,000/mo ✓ | $8,700/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,700/mo ✓ | $2,200/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Philadelphia, PA costs $61,200/year vs Boston, MA's $75,600/year.
Monthly savings
$1,200
Annual savings
$14,400
2-year total savings
$28,800
% difference
24%
Savings = Boston, MA cost minus Philadelphia, PA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Philadelphia, PA is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Philadelphia, PA or Boston, MA?
Philadelphia, PA has lower assisted living costs at $5,100/month vs. $6,300/month in Boston, MA — a difference of $1,200/month ($14,400/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. Philadelphia, PA is $600 above the national average. Boston, MA is $1,800 above the national average.