Elder Care Cost: Sacramento, CA vs Raleigh, NC (2026)
Raleigh, NC assisted living runs $4,300/month — $1,200/month less than Sacramento, CA's $5,500/month. That's $14,400/year.
Sacramento, CA, CA
$5,500
assisted living/month
+$1,000 vs national avg
Raleigh, NC, NC
$4,300
assisted living/month
-$200 vs national avg
Sacramento, CA vs Raleigh, NC — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Sacramento, CA | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $5,500/mo | $4,300/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $10,800/mo | $9,200/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $6,500/mo | $5,000/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $7,500/mo | $6,000/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $1,900/mo | $1,450/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Raleigh, NC costs $51,600/year vs Sacramento, CA's $66,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,200
Annual savings
$14,400
2-year total savings
$28,800
% difference
28%
Savings = Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA or Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh, NC has lower assisted living costs at $4,300/month vs. $5,500/month in Sacramento, CA — 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. Sacramento, CA is $1,000 above the national average. Raleigh, NC is $200 below the national average.