ElderCarePeek

Maryland vs South Carolina: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

Side-by-side comparison of nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs.

Maryland

$10,982/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 15.6%

South Carolina

$7,604/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18.2%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

South Carolina has lower nursing home costs by $3,378/month ($40,536/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $202,680.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeMarylandSouth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$10,982/mo$7,604/mo+$3,378
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$10,068/mo$6,844/mo+$3,224
Assisted Living$4,750/mo$3,750/mo+$1,000
Home Health Aide$26.00/hr$22.00/hr+$4.00
Adult Day Care$1,833/mo$1,383/mo+$450
Homemaker Services$24.00/hr$20.00/hr+$4.00

Annual Cost Comparison

Maryland Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$131,784/yr
Assisted Living$57,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$54,912/yr
Adult Day Care$21,996/yr

South Carolina Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$91,248/yr
Assisted Living$45,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$46,464/yr
Adult Day Care$16,596/yr

Senior Care Planning Resources

Long-Term Care Insurance Quotes

Protect your savings with affordable LTC insurance coverage.

Medicaid Planning Services

Navigate Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies.

Medicare Part A Coverage

Understand what Medicare covers for skilled nursing facility care.

Elder Law Attorneys

Get legal help with estate planning and Medicaid spend-down rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper nursing homes: Maryland or South Carolina?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. Maryland averages $10,982/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $3,378/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Maryland and South Carolina?
Assisted living in Maryland costs $4,750/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $26.00/hour in Maryland and $22.00/hour in South Carolina.
Which state has better Medicaid coverage for senior care?
Both states offer Medicaid coverage for nursing home care. Maryland: Maryland Medicaid covers nursing homes. Community Options waiver and other HCBS programs available.... South Carolina: South Carolina Medicaid covers nursing home care. Community Choices waiver for home-based services....

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey