Elder Care Cost: San Diego, CA vs Boston, MA (2026)
San Diego, CA assisted living runs $6,000/month — $300/month less than Boston, MA's $6,300/month. That's $3,600/year.
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Boston, MA, MA
$6,300
assisted living/month
+$1,800 vs national avg
San Diego, CA vs Boston, MA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Diego, CA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,000/mo ✓ | $6,300/mo |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,000/mo ✓ | $14,500/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $7,100/mo | $6,700/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,200/mo ✓ | $8,700/mo |
| Adult Day Care | $2,050/mo ✓ | $2,200/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, San Diego, CA costs $72,000/year vs Boston, MA's $75,600/year.
Monthly savings
$300
Annual savings
$3,600
2-year total savings
$7,200
% difference
5%
Savings = Boston, MA cost minus San Diego, CA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, San Diego, CA is more affordable — lower cost on 4 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Diego, CA or Boston, MA?
San Diego, CA has lower assisted living costs at $6,000/month vs. $6,300/month in Boston, MA — a difference of $300/month ($3,600/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. Boston, MA is $1,800 above the national average.