Elder Care Cost: San Diego, CA vs Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
Virginia Beach, VA assisted living runs $5,000/month — $1,000/month less than San Diego, CA's $6,000/month. That's $12,000/year.
San Diego, CA, CA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Virginia Beach, VA, VA
$5,000
assisted living/month
+$500 vs national avg
San Diego, CA vs Virginia Beach, VA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Diego, CA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,000/mo | $5,000/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,000/mo | $9,600/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,100/mo | $5,300/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,200/mo | $6,900/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,050/mo | $1,650/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Virginia Beach, VA costs $60,000/year vs San Diego, CA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,000
Annual savings
$12,000
2-year total savings
$24,000
% difference
20%
Savings = San Diego, CA cost minus Virginia Beach, VA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Virginia Beach, VA is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Diego, CA or Virginia Beach, VA?
Virginia Beach, VA has lower assisted living costs at $5,000/month vs. $6,000/month in San Diego, CA — a difference of $1,000/month ($12,000/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. Virginia Beach, VA is $500 above the national average.