ElderCarePeek

New Mexico vs South Carolina: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

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

New Mexico

$8,760/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18%

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 $1,156/month ($13,872/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $69,360.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeNew MexicoSouth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$8,760/mo$7,604/mo+$1,156
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$7,908/mo$6,844/mo+$1,064
Assisted Living$4,250/mo$3,750/mo+$500
Home Health Aide$24.00/hr$22.00/hr+$2.00
Adult Day Care$1,517/mo$1,383/mo+$134
Homemaker Services$22.00/hr$20.00/hr+$2.00

Annual Cost Comparison

New Mexico Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$105,120/yr
Assisted Living$51,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$50,688/yr
Adult Day Care$18,204/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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper nursing homes: New Mexico or South Carolina?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. New Mexico averages $8,760/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $1,156/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between New Mexico and South Carolina?
Assisted living in New Mexico costs $4,250/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $24.00/hour in New Mexico 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. New Mexico: New Mexico Medicaid covers nursing facilities. Mi Via and Centennial Care HCBS waivers available.... South Carolina: South Carolina Medicaid covers nursing home care. Community Choices waiver for home-based services....

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