Elder Care Cost: San Diego, CA vs Fresno, CA (2026)
Fresno, CA assisted living runs $5,200/month — $800/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $9,600/year.
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Fresno, CA, CA
$5,200
assisted living/month
+$700 vs national avg
San Diego, CA vs Fresno, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Diego, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,000/mo | $5,200/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,000/mo | $10,200/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,100/mo | $6,200/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,200/mo | $7,100/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,050/mo | $1,750/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Fresno, CA costs $62,400/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$800
Annual savings
$9,600
2-year total savings
$19,200
% difference
15%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Fresno, CA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Fresno, CA is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Diego, CA or Fresno, CA?
Fresno, CA has lower assisted living costs at $5,200/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $800/month ($9,600/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. Fresno, CA is $700 above the national average.