Elder Care Cost: San Jose, CA vs Nashville, TN (2026)
Nashville, TN assisted living runs $4,400/month — $2,100/month less than San Jose, CA's $6,500/month. That's $25,200/year.
San Jose, CA, CA
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Nashville, TN, TN
$4,400
assisted living/month
-$100 vs national avg
San Jose, CA vs Nashville, TN — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Jose, CA | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,500/mo | $4,400/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $13,000/mo | $8,200/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,700/mo | $4,600/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,900/mo | $6,100/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,200/mo | $1,350/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Nashville, TN costs $52,800/year vs San Jose, CA's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,100
Annual savings
$25,200
2-year total savings
$50,400
% difference
48%
Savings = San Jose, CA cost minus Nashville, TN cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Nashville, TN is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Jose, CA or Nashville, TN?
Nashville, TN has lower assisted living costs at $4,400/month vs. $6,500/month in San Jose, CA — a difference of $2,100/month ($25,200/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. Nashville, TN is $100 below the national average.