Elder Care Cost: San Jose, CA vs Kansas City, MO (2026)
Kansas City, MO assisted living runs $3,800/month — $2,700/month less than San Jose, CA's $6,500/month. That's $32,400/year.
San Jose, CA, CA
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Kansas City, MO, MO
$3,800
assisted living/month
-$700 vs national avg
San Jose, CA vs Kansas City, MO — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Jose, CA | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,500/mo | $3,800/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $13,000/mo | $7,500/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,700/mo | $4,700/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,900/mo | $5,300/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,200/mo | $1,300/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Kansas City, MO costs $45,600/year vs San Jose, CA's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,700
Annual savings
$32,400
2-year total savings
$64,800
% difference
71%
Savings = San Jose, CA cost minus Kansas City, MO cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Kansas City, MO is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Jose, CA or Kansas City, MO?
Kansas City, MO has lower assisted living costs at $3,800/month vs. $6,500/month in San Jose, CA — a difference of $2,700/month ($32,400/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. Kansas City, MO is $700 below the national average.