Elder Care Cost: San Jose, CA vs Tucson, AZ (2026)
Tucson, AZ assisted living runs $4,200/month — $2,300/month less than San Jose, CA's $6,500/month. That's $27,600/year.
San Jose, CA, CA
$6,500
assisted living/month
+$2,000 vs national avg
Tucson, AZ, AZ
$4,200
assisted living/month
-$300 vs national avg
San Jose, CA vs Tucson, AZ — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | San Jose, CA | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,500/mo | $4,200/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $13,000/mo | $8,800/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $7,700/mo | $5,400/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,900/mo | $5,900/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,200/mo | $1,500/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Tucson, AZ costs $50,400/year vs San Jose, CA's $78,000/year.
Monthly savings
$2,300
Annual savings
$27,600
2-year total savings
$55,200
% difference
55%
Savings = San Jose, CA cost minus Tucson, AZ cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Tucson, AZ is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in San Jose, CA or Tucson, AZ?
Tucson, AZ has lower assisted living costs at $4,200/month vs. $6,500/month in San Jose, CA — a difference of $2,300/month ($27,600/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. Tucson, AZ is $300 below the national average.