Elder Care Cost: San Diego, CA vs Kansas City, MO (2026)
Kansas City, MO assisted living runs $3,800/month — $2,200/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $26,400/year.
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Kansas City, MO, MO
$3,800
assisted living/month
-$700 vs national avg
San Diego, CA vs Kansas City, MO — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Diego, CA | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,000/mo | $3,800/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,000/mo | $7,500/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,100/mo | $4,700/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,200/mo | $5,300/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,050/mo | $1,300/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Kansas City, MO costs $45,600/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,200
Annual savings
$26,400
2-year total savings
$52,800
% difference
58%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Kansas City, MO cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Kansas City, MO is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Diego, CA or Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City, MO has lower assisted living costs at $3,800/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $2,200/month ($26,400/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. San Diego, CA is $1,500 above the national average. Kansas City, MO is $700 below the national average.