Elder Care Cost: San Jose, CA vs Boston, MA (2026)
Boston, MA assisted living runs $6,300/month — $200/month less than San Jose, CA's $6,500/month. That's $2,400/year.
San Jose, CA, CA
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Boston, MA, MA
$6,300
assisted living/month
+$1,800 vs national avg
San Jose, CA vs Boston, MA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Jose, CA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,500/mo | $6,300/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $13,000/mo ✓ | $14,500/mo |
| In-Home Aide | $7,700/mo | $6,700/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,900/mo | $8,700/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,200/mo | $2,200/mo |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Boston, MA costs $75,600/year vs San Jose, CA's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$200
Annual savings
$2,400
2-year total savings
$4,800
% difference
3%
Savings = San Jose, CA cost minus Boston, MA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Boston, MA is more affordable — lower cost on 3 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Jose, CA or Boston, MA?
Boston, MA has lower assisted living costs at $6,300/month vs. $6,500/month in San Jose, CA — a difference of $200/month ($2,400/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 Jose, CA is $2,000 above the national average. Boston, MA is $1,800 above the national average.