North Dakota vs South 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?
South Dakota has lower nursing home costs by $2,069/month ($24,828/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $124,140.
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Care Type | North Dakota | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $10,373/mo | $8,304/mo | +$2,069 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $9,354/mo | $7,452/mo | +$1,902 |
| Assisted Living | $4,250/mo | $4,000/mo | +$250 |
| Home Health Aide | $28.00/hr | $26.00/hr | +$2.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $1,733/mo | $1,517/mo | +$216 |
| Homemaker Services | $26.00/hr | $24.00/hr | +$2.00 |
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 Dakota Annual Costs
Nursing Home (Private)$99,648/yr
Assisted Living$48,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$54,912/yr
Adult Day Care$18,204/yr
Senior Care Planning Resources
Long-Term Care Insurance Quotes
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Medicaid Planning Services
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Medicare Part A Coverage
Understand what Medicare covers for skilled nursing facility care.
Elder Law Attorneys
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has cheaper nursing homes: North Dakota or South Dakota?
South Dakota has lower nursing home costs. North Dakota averages $10,373/month while South Dakota averages $8,304/month, a difference of $2,069/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between North Dakota and South Dakota?
Assisted living in North Dakota costs $4,250/month compared to $4,000/month in South Dakota.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $28.00/hour in North Dakota and $26.00/hour in South Dakota.
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 Dakota: South Dakota Medicaid covers nursing facilities. HOPE waiver for community-based alternatives....
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey