Elder Care Cost: San Diego, CA vs Austin, TX (2026)
Austin, TX assisted living runs $4,500/month — $1,500/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $18,000/year.
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Austin, TX, TX
$4,500
assisted living/month
+$0 vs national avg
San Diego, CA vs Austin, TX — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Diego, CA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,000/mo | $4,500/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,000/mo | $7,600/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,100/mo | $5,100/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,200/mo | $6,100/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,050/mo | $1,400/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Austin, TX costs $54,000/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,500
Annual savings
$18,000
2-year total savings
$36,000
% difference
33%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Austin, TX cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Austin, TX is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Diego, CA or Austin, TX?
Austin, TX has lower assisted living costs at $4,500/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $1,500/month ($18,000/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. San Diego, CA is $1,500 above the national average. Austin, TX is $0 above the national average.