Senior Care Costs in South Carolina (2026)
Complete guide to nursing home, assisted living, and home care costs in South Carolina. Costs are 20.1% below the national average.
Nursing Home (Private)
$7,604/mo
National avg: $9,514
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)
$6,844/mo
National avg: $8,582
Assisted Living
$3,750/mo
National avg: $4,612
Home Health Aide
$22.00/hr
$3,872/mo (8hr/day)
Adult Day Care
$1,383/mo
National avg: $1,692
Homemaker Services
$20.00/hr
$3,520/mo (8hr/day)
Senior Care Costs by City in South Carolina
| City | Nursing Home | Assisted Living | Home Health Aide | Adult Day Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $6,667/mo | $3,288/mo | $19.29/hr | $1,213/mo |
| Columbia | $8,282/mo | $4,084/mo | $23.96/hr | $1,506/mo |
| Goose Creek | $8,453/mo | $4,168/mo | $24.46/hr | $1,537/mo |
| Greenville | $7,415/mo | $3,657/mo | $21.45/hr | $1,349/mo |
| Mount Pleasant | $6,223/mo | $3,069/mo | $18.00/hr | $1,132/mo |
| North Charleston | $7,729/mo | $3,812/mo | $22.36/hr | $1,406/mo |
| Rock Hill | $6,123/mo | $3,020/mo | $17.71/hr | $1,114/mo |
| Summerville | $8,888/mo | $4,383/mo | $25.71/hr | $1,616/mo |
Medicaid & Medicare Coverage in South Carolina
South Carolina Medicaid covers nursing home care. Community Choices waiver for home-based 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 South Carolina
- Long-term care insurance
- Medicaid (income/asset eligible)
- VA benefits for veterans
- Personal savings and investments
- Reverse mortgage proceeds
South Carolina Senior Demographics
18.2%
Population 65+
$59,318
Median Household Income
$91,248
Annual Nursing Home Cost
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Nursing Home (Private Room) in South Carolina
Monthly Cost
$7,604
Annual Cost
$91,248
5-Year Projection
$456,240
Total (12mo)
$91,248
vs. National Average
$1,937/mo lower than national average (-20.3%)
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 South Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey