South Carolina 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 Carolina has lower nursing home costs by $700/month ($8,400/year). Over 5 years, that's a difference of $42,000.
Detailed Cost Comparison
| Care Type | South Carolina | South Dakota | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home (Private) | $7,604/mo | $8,304/mo | $700 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $6,844/mo | $7,452/mo | $608 |
| Assisted Living | $3,750/mo | $4,000/mo | $250 |
| Home Health Aide | $22.00/hr | $26.00/hr | $4.00 |
| Adult Day Care | $1,383/mo | $1,517/mo | $134 |
| Homemaker Services | $20.00/hr | $24.00/hr | $4.00 |
Annual Cost Comparison
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
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
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Medicare Part A Coverage
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Elder Law Attorneys
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has cheaper nursing homes: South Carolina or South Dakota?
South Carolina has lower nursing home costs. South Carolina averages $7,604/month while South Dakota averages $8,304/month, a difference of $700/month.
How do assisted living costs compare between South Carolina and South Dakota?
Assisted living in South Carolina costs $3,750/month compared to $4,000/month in South Dakota.
What about home health aide costs?
Home health aides charge $22.00/hour in South Carolina 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. South Carolina: South Carolina Medicaid covers nursing home care. Community Choices 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