Elder Care Cost: San Jose, CA vs Seattle, WA (2026)
Seattle, WA assisted living runs $6,000/month — $500/month less than San Jose, CA's $6,500/month. That's $6,000/year.
San Jose, CA, CA
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Seattle, WA, WA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
San Jose, CA vs Seattle, WA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Jose, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,500/mo | $6,000/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $13,000/mo | $12,200/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,700/mo | $6,900/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,900/mo | $8,300/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,200/mo | $2,100/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Seattle, WA costs $72,000/year vs San Jose, CA's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$500
Annual savings
$6,000
2-year total savings
$12,000
% difference
8%
Savings = San Jose, CA cost minus Seattle, WA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Seattle, WA is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Jose, CA or Seattle, WA?
Seattle, WA has lower assisted living costs at $6,000/month vs. $6,500/month in San Jose, CA — a difference of $500/month ($6,000/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 Jose, CA is $2,000 above the national average. Seattle, WA is $1,500 above the national average.