Elder Care Cost: Phoenix, AZ vs San Diego, CA (2026)
Phoenix, AZ assisted living runs $4,600/month — $1,400/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $16,800/year.
Phoenix, AZ, AZ
$4,600
assisted living/month
+$100 vs national avg
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Phoenix, AZ vs San Diego, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Phoenix, AZ | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,600/mo ✓ | $6,000/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,200/mo ✓ | $12,000/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,800/mo ✓ | $7,100/mo |
| Memory Care | $6,400/mo ✓ | $8,200/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,550/mo ✓ | $2,050/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Phoenix, AZ costs $55,200/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,400
Annual savings
$16,800
2-year total savings
$33,600
% difference
30%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Phoenix, AZ cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Phoenix, AZ is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Phoenix, AZ or San Diego, CA?
Phoenix, AZ has lower assisted living costs at $4,600/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $1,400/month ($16,800/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. Phoenix, AZ is $100 above the national average. San Diego, CA is $1,500 above the national average.