ElderCarePeek

Pennsylvania vs Washington: Senior Care Cost Comparison (2026)

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

Pennsylvania

$10,068/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 18.7%

Washington

$10,982/mo

Nursing home (private room)

Senior population: 15.9%

Which State is More Affordable for Senior Care?

Pennsylvania has lower nursing home costs by $914/month ($10,968/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $54,840.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Care TypePennsylvaniaWashingtonDifference
Nursing Home (Private)$10,068/mo$10,982/mo$914
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)$9,050/mo$9,963/mo$913
Assisted Living$4,500/mo$5,750/mo$1,250
Home Health Aide$25.00/hr$31.00/hr$6.00
Adult Day Care$1,733/mo$2,017/mo$284
Homemaker Services$23.00/hr$29.00/hr$6.00

Annual Cost Comparison

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

Washington Annual Costs

Nursing Home (Private)$131,784/yr
Assisted Living$69,000/yr
Home Health Aide (8hr/day)$65,472/yr
Adult Day Care$24,204/yr

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper nursing homes: Pennsylvania or Washington?
Pennsylvania has lower nursing home costs. Pennsylvania averages $10,068/month while Washington averages $10,982/month, a difference of $914/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between Pennsylvania and Washington?
Assisted living in Pennsylvania costs $4,500/month compared to $5,750/month in Washington.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $25.00/hour in Pennsylvania and $31.00/hour in Washington.
Which state has better Medicaid coverage for senior care?
Both states offer Medicaid coverage for nursing home care. Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Medicaid covers nursing home care. LIFE program and aging waiver for community services.... Washington: Washington Medicaid covers nursing facilities. COPES waiver for home and community-based alternatives....

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