ElderCareCost

Elder Care Type Comparison Guide 2026

Not sure which type of senior care fits your situation? These side-by-side comparisons cover national and state-level costs, pros and cons, and who each option is best for.

2026 National Monthly Cost Snapshot

$1,603
Adult Day Care
$4,500
Assisted Living
$5,339
In-Home Care
$8,669
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)
$9,733
Nursing Home (Private Room)

Source: 2026 Genworth/CareScout Cost of Care Survey estimates

All Comparisons

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home

The two most common facility options for seniors who can no longer live independently. Assisted living is for seniors who need help with daily task...

Monthly diff
$5,233
Assisted Living is cheaper
$4,500/mo
Assisted Living
vs
$9,733/mo
Nursing Home (Private Room)
Compare by state →

In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living

Both provide daily personal care support, but in-home care allows the senior to stay at home while assisted living provides a residential community...

Monthly diff
$839
Assisted Living is cheaper
$5,339/mo
In-Home Care
vs
$4,500/mo
Assisted Living
Compare by state →

In-Home Care vs. Nursing Home

In-home care lets seniors stay home with a paid aide; nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled medical care in a facility. In-home care is typically m...

Monthly diff
$4,394
In-Home Care is cheaper
$5,339/mo
In-Home Care
vs
$9,733/mo
Nursing Home (Private Room)
Compare by state →

Adult Day Care vs. In-Home Care

Adult day care is the most affordable senior care option — but it's daytime-only. In-home care provides one-on-one coverage in the senior's own hom...

Monthly diff
$3,736
Adult Day Care is cheaper
$1,603/mo
Adult Day Care
vs
$5,339/mo
In-Home Care
Compare by state →

Adult Day Care vs. Assisted Living

Adult day care is a daytime-only, stay-at-home support option. Assisted living is full-time residential care. The two aren't always direct substitu...

Monthly diff
$2,897
Adult Day Care is cheaper
$1,603/mo
Adult Day Care
vs
$4,500/mo
Assisted Living
Compare by state →

Adult Day Care vs. Nursing Home

These two options serve very different needs. Adult day care is for seniors who can still live at home and need daytime supervision. Nursing homes ...

Monthly diff
$8,130
Adult Day Care is cheaper
$1,603/mo
Adult Day Care
vs
$9,733/mo
Nursing Home (Private Room)
Compare by state →

Nursing Home: Private Room vs. Semi-Private Room

Within the same nursing facility, the difference between a private and semi-private room is roughly $1,000–$1,500/month nationally. The care level ...

Monthly diff
$1,064
Nursing Home (Semi-Private Room) is cheaper
$9,733/mo
Nursing Home (Private Room)
vs
$8,669/mo
Nursing Home (Semi-Private Room)
Compare by state →

How to Choose the Right Type of Care

Start with the care level needed. If the person needs 24-hour skilled nursing or rehabilitation after surgery, a nursing home is likely the right choice. If they're medically stable but need help with daily tasks, assisted living or in-home care is a better fit.
Consider how much time at home matters. In-home care and adult day care both allow seniors to stay in familiar surroundings. Assisted living and nursing homes require relocating to a facility.
Run the actual numbers for your state. Costs vary dramatically by location — what's true nationally may not reflect costs in your state. Use the comparison links above to see state-level data for your specific situation.
Medicare doesn't cover most long-term care. Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing (up to 100 days post-hospitalization) but does not cover assisted living, in-home aide, adult day care, or long-term nursing home stays. Medicaid may help for those who qualify financially.