Elder Care Cost: Raleigh, NC vs Bakersfield, CA (2026)
Raleigh, NC assisted living runs $4,300/month — $600/month less than Bakersfield, CA's $4,900/month. That's $7,200/year.
Raleigh, NC, NC
$4,300
assisted living/month
-$200 vs national avg
Bakersfield, CA, CA
$4,900
assisted living/month
+$400 vs national avg
Raleigh, NC vs Bakersfield, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Raleigh, NC | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,300/mo ✓ | $4,900/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,200/mo ✓ | $9,800/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $5,000/mo ✓ | $5,800/mo |
| Memory Care | $6,000/mo ✓ | $6,700/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $1,450/mo ✓ | $1,650/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Raleigh, NC costs $51,600/year vs Bakersfield, CA's $58,800/year.
Monthly savings
$600
Annual savings
$7,200
2-year total savings
$14,400
% difference
14%
Savings = Bakersfield, CA cost minus Raleigh, NC cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Raleigh, NC is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Raleigh, NC or Bakersfield, CA?
Raleigh, NC has lower assisted living costs at $4,300/month vs. $4,900/month in Bakersfield, CA — a difference of $600/month ($7,200/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. Raleigh, NC is $200 below the national average. Bakersfield, CA is $400 above the national average.