California vs Pennsylvania: 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?
Pennsylvania has lower nursing home costs by $1,434/month ($17,208/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $86,040.
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Care Type | California | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $11,502/mo | $10,068/mo | +$1,434 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $10,220/mo | $9,050/mo | +$1,170 |
| Assisted Living | $5,750/mo | $4,500/mo | +$1,250 |
| Home Health Aide | $32.00/hr | $25.00/hr | +$7.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $2,017/mo | $1,733/mo | +$284 |
| Homemaker Services | $30.00/hr | $23.00/hr | +$7.00 |
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
Pennsylvania Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$120,816/yr
Assisted Living$54,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$52,800/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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has lower nursing home costs. California averages $11,502/month while Pennsylvania averages $10,068/month, a difference of $1,434/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between California and Pennsylvania?
Assisted living in California costs $5,750/month compared to $4,500/month in Pennsylvania.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $32.00/hour in California and $25.00/hour in Pennsylvania.
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.... Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Medicaid covers nursing home care. LIFE program and aging waiver for community services....
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey