Elder Care Cost: San Francisco, CA vs Albuquerque, NM (2026)
Albuquerque, NM assisted living runs $4,100/month — $2,900/month less than San Francisco, CA's $7,000/month. That's $34,800/year.
San Francisco, CA, CA
$7,000
assisted living/month
+$2,500 vs national avg
Albuquerque, NM, NM
$4,100
assisted living/month
-$400 vs national avg
San Francisco, CA vs Albuquerque, NM — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Francisco, CA | Albuquerque, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $7,000/mo | $4,100/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $14,000/mo | $8,900/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $8,200/mo | $5,100/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $9,600/mo | $5,800/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,400/mo | $1,400/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Albuquerque, NM costs $49,200/year vs San Francisco, CA's $84,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,900
Annual savings
$34,800
2-year total savings
$69,600
% difference
71%
Savings = San Francisco, CA cost minus Albuquerque, NM cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Albuquerque, NM is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Francisco, CA or Albuquerque, NM?
Albuquerque, NM has lower assisted living costs at $4,100/month vs. $7,000/month in San Francisco, CA — a difference of $2,900/month ($34,800/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 Francisco, CA is $2,500 above the national average. Albuquerque, NM is $400 below the national average.