ElderCarePeek

North Dakota vs South Carolina: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

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

North Dakota

$10,373/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 16.5%

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 $2,769/month ($33,228/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $166,140.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypeNorth DakotaSouth CarolinaDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$10,373/mo$7,604/mo+$2,769
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$9,354/mo$6,844/mo+$2,510
Assisted Living$4,250/mo$3,750/mo+$500
Home Health Aide$28.00/hr$22.00/hr+$6.00
Adult Day Care$1,733/mo$1,383/mo+$350
Homemaker Services$26.00/hr$20.00/hr+$6.00

Annual Cost Comparison

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

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: North Dakota or South Carolina?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. North Dakota averages $10,373/month while South Carolina averages $7,604/month, a difference of $2,769/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between North Dakota and South Carolina?
Assisted living in North Dakota costs $4,250/month compared to $3,750/month in South Carolina.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $28.00/hour in North Dakota 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. North Dakota: North Dakota Medicaid covers nursing homes. SPED waiver for home-based services.... 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