Elder Care Cost: Seattle, WA vs Sacramento, CA (2026)
Sacramento, CA assisted living runs $5,500/month — $500/month less than Seattle, WA's $6,000/month. That's $6,000/year.
Seattle, WA, WA
$6,000
assisted living/month
+$1,500 vs national avg
Sacramento, CA, CA
$5,500
assisted living/month
+$1,000 vs national avg
Seattle, WA vs Sacramento, CA — All Care Types
Monthly costs. Green = lower cost. National average shown for context.
| Care Type | Seattle, WA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,000/mo | $5,500/mo ✓ |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $12,200/mo | $10,800/mo ✓ |
| In-Home Aide | $6,900/mo | $6,500/mo ✓ |
| Memory Care | $8,300/mo | $7,500/mo ✓ |
| Adult Day Care | $2,100/mo | $1,900/mo ✓ |
Source: Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. 2026 estimates.
Annual Cost Impact
For assisted living, Sacramento, CA costs $66,000/year vs Seattle, WA's $72,000/year.
Monthly savings
$500
Annual savings
$6,000
2-year total savings
$12,000
% difference
9%
Savings = Seattle, WA cost minus Sacramento, CA cost. Assisted living only.
Overall, Sacramento, CA is more affordable — lower cost on 5 of 5 care types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elder care cheaper in Seattle, WA or Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento, CA has lower assisted living costs at $5,500/month vs. $6,000/month in Seattle, WA — 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. Seattle, WA is $1,500 above the national average. Sacramento, CA is $1,000 above the national average.