California vs North Dakota: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs.
Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?
North Dakota has lower nursing home costs by $1,129/month ($13,548/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $67,740.
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Care Type | California | North Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $11,502/mo | $10,373/mo | +$1,129 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $10,220/mo | $9,354/mo | +$866 |
| Assisted Living | $5,750/mo | $4,250/mo | +$1,500 |
| Home Health Aide | $32.00/hr | $28.00/hr | +$4.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $2,017/mo | $1,733/mo | +$284 |
| Homemaker Services | $30.00/hr | $26.00/hr | +$4.00 |
Annual Cost Comparison
California Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$138,024/yr
Assisted Living$69,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$67,584/yr
Adult Day Care$24,204/yr
North Dakota Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$124,476/yr
Assisted Living$51,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$59,136/yr
Adult Day Care$20,796/yr
Senior Care Planning Resources
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Medicare Part A Coverage
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Elder Law Attorneys
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has cheaper nursing homes: California or North Dakota?
North Dakota has lower nursing home costs. California averages $11,502/month while North Dakota averages $10,373/month, a difference of $1,129/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between California and North Dakota?
Assisted living in California costs $5,750/month compared to $4,250/month in North Dakota.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $32.00/hour in California and $28.00/hour in North Dakota.
Which state has better Medicaid coverage for senior care?
Both states offer Medicaid coverage for nursing home care. California: Medi-Cal covers nursing facility care. Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) and other waivers for community care.... North Dakota: North Dakota Medicaid covers nursing homes. SPED waiver for home-based services....
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey