Elder Care Cost: San Francisco, CA vs Denver, CO (2026)
Denver, CO assisted living runs $5,100/month — $1,900/month less than San Francisco, CA's $7,000/month. That's $22,800/year.
San Francisco, CA, CA
$7,000
assisted living/month
+$2,500 vs national avg
Denver, CO, CO
$5,100
assisted living/month
+$600 vs national avg
San Francisco, CA vs Denver, CO — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Francisco, CA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $7,000/mo | $5,100/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $14,000/mo | $10,500/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $8,200/mo | $5,900/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $9,600/mo | $7,000/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,400/mo | $1,700/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Denver, CO costs $61,200/year vs San Francisco, CA's $84,000/year.
Monthly savings
$1,900
Annual savings
$22,800
2-year total savings
$45,600
% difference
37%
Savings = San Francisco, CA cost minus Denver, CO cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Denver, CO is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Francisco, CA or Denver, CO?
Denver, CO has lower assisted living costs at $5,100/month vs. $7,000/month in San Francisco, CA — a difference of $1,900/month ($22,800/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. Denver, CO is $600 above the national average.