Senior Care Costs in Pennsylvania (2026)
Complete guide to nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs in Pennsylvania. Costs are 5.8% above the national average.
Nursing Home (Private)
$10,068/mo
National avg: $9,514
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)
$9,050/mo
National avg: $8,582
Assisted Living
$4,500/mo
National avg: $4,612
Home Health Aide
$25.00/hr
$4,400/mo (8hr/day)
Adult Day Care
$1,733/mo
National avg: $1,692
Homemaker Services
$23.00/hr
$4,048/mo (8hr/day)
Senior Care Costs by City in Pennsylvania
| City | Nursing Home | Assisted Living | Home Health Aide | Adult Day Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown | $9,045/mo | $4,043/mo | $22.46/hr | $1,557/mo |
| Bethlehem | $10,531/mo | $4,707/mo | $26.15/hr | $1,813/mo |
| Erie | $11,353/mo | $5,074/mo | $28.19/hr | $1,954/mo |
| Harrisburg | $9,275/mo | $4,145/mo | $23.03/hr | $1,596/mo |
| Lancaster | $11,989/mo | $5,359/mo | $29.77/hr | $2,064/mo |
| Philadelphia | $8,961/mo | $4,005/mo | $22.25/hr | $1,542/mo |
| Pittsburgh | $11,941/mo | $5,337/mo | $29.65/hr | $2,055/mo |
| Reading | $10,962/mo | $4,900/mo | $27.22/hr | $1,887/mo |
| Scranton | $8,316/mo | $3,717/mo | $20.65/hr | $1,431/mo |
| York | $10,285/mo | $4,597/mo | $25.54/hr | $1,770/mo |
Medicaid & Medicare Coverage in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Medicaid covers nursing home care. LIFE program and aging waiver for community services.
Medicare Coverage (Federal)
- Up to 100 days skilled nursing after hospital stay
- Home health services if homebound
- Does NOT cover custodial/long-term care
How to Pay for Care in Pennsylvania
- Long-term care insurance
- Medicaid (income/asset eligible)
- VA benefits for veterans
- Personal savings and investments
- Reverse mortgage proceeds
Pennsylvania Senior Demographics
18.7%
Population 65+
$67,587
Median Household Income
$120,816
Annual Nursing Home Cost
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Nursing Home (Private Room) in Pennsylvania
Monthly Cost
$10,068
Annual Cost
$120,816
5-Year Projection
$604,080
Total (12mo)
$120,816
vs. National Average
$527/mo higher than national average (+5.5%)
Medicare & Medicaid Coverage
- Medicare: Covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay (first 20 days fully covered, days 21-100 with copay).
- Medicaid: May cover nursing home and some home care costs for eligible individuals. Income and asset limits apply and vary by state.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Can cover costs not paid by Medicare or Medicaid. Premiums depend on age and coverage level.
- VA Benefits: Veterans may qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits to help cover care costs.
* Estimates based on Genworth Cost of Care Survey data. Actual costs may vary by facility, location, and level of care needed. Consult a certified elder care advisor or financial planner specializing in senior care for personalized guidance.
More About Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey