Elder Care Cost: San Francisco, CA vs Milwaukee, WI (2026)
Milwaukee, WI assisted living runs $4,500/month — $2,500/month less than San Francisco, CA's $7,000/month. That's $30,000/year.
San Francisco, CA, CA
$7,000
assisted living/month
+$2,500 vs national avg
Milwaukee, WI, WI
$4,500
assisted living/month
+$0 vs national avg
San Francisco, CA vs Milwaukee, WI — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Francisco, CA | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $7,000/mo | $4,500/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $14,000/mo | $9,900/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $8,200/mo | $5,400/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $9,600/mo | $6,300/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,400/mo | $1,550/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Milwaukee, WI costs $54,000/year vs San Francisco, CA's $84,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,500
Annual savings
$30,000
2-year total savings
$60,000
% difference
56%
Savings = San Francisco, CA cost minus Milwaukee, WI cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Milwaukee, WI is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Francisco, CA or Milwaukee, WI?
Milwaukee, WI has lower assisted living costs at $4,500/month vs. $7,000/month in San Francisco, CA — a difference of $2,500/month ($30,000/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 Francisco, CA is $2,500 above the national average. Milwaukee, WI is $0 above the national average.