Complete 2026 cost guide with 7 care types and 5-year projections
| Care Type | South Carolina | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $68/day | $82/day | 17% below |
| Home Health Aide | $23/hr | $27/hr | 15% below |
| Independent Living | $2,347/mo | $2,986/mo | 21% below |
| Assisted Living | $3,612/mo | $4,591/mo | 21% below |
| Memory Care | $4,514/mo | $5,739/mo | 21% below |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $9,227/mo | $11,040/mo | 16% below |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,822/mo | $12,235/mo | 20% below |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026. Adult Day = per weekday. Home Aide = per hour (avg 40 hrs/wk = $3,983/mo).
Senior care costs have historically increased 3–5% per year. The table below projects costs at 3% annual inflation.
| Year | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Nursing (Semi) | Home Aide (mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $3,612 | $4,514 | $9,227 | $3,983 |
| 2027 | $3,720 | $4,649 | $9,503 | $4,102 |
| 2028 | $3,831 | $4,788 | $9,788 | $4,225 |
| 2029 | $3,946 | $4,932 | $10,082 | $4,352 |
| 2030 | $4,065 | $5,080 | $10,385 | $4,482 |
| 2031 | $4,187 | $5,232 | $10,696 | $4,617 |
Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.
South Carolina's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is Community Choices Waiver. This program can help cover assisted living and in-home care costs for eligible residents. To qualify, individuals generally must have income below $2,829/month and countable assets below $2,000.
Eligibility rules change frequently. Visit your state Medicaid office or benefits.gov for current requirements.
Our detailed guide covers 8 ways to pay for assisted living.
Read the Full GuideIf you are researching senior care options in South Carolina for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are considerably lower than the national average. Assisted living in South Carolina averages around $3,612 per month, which is roughly 21 percent below the national average. Memory care runs about $4,514 per month, while nursing home care averages $9,227 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $23 per hour. These figures may bring some relief, but understanding why South Carolina's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.
South Carolina's overall cost of living is below the national average. South Carolina offers affordable housing and moderate living expenses, particularly in areas outside of Charleston, which has seen significant cost increases in recent years. These economic fundamentals directly influence what care providers charge, as facility operating costs, from real estate to food service to utilities, are shaped by the same forces that affect household budgets.
The labor market plays a significant role in shaping care costs. South Carolina's healthcare labor market offers moderate wages that help keep care costs below the national average. The Charleston area has a more competitive market, while rural areas offer lower wages but face greater staffing challenges.
South Carolina's regulatory environment is relatively moderate. The Department of Health and Environmental Control oversees licensing with requirements that provide operational flexibility to care providers. This lighter regulatory touch is one factor in the state's below-average care costs.
The 65-and-older population in South Carolina represents about 19 percent of the state's total residents. South Carolina has become an increasingly popular retirement destination, particularly in the coastal areas around Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head. This growth has spurred development of senior care facilities. Understanding these demographic patterns can help families anticipate how the local care market may evolve in the coming years, including potential changes in availability and pricing.
When compared to neighboring states, Georgia offers lower assisted living costs while North Carolina runs higher. For families weighing whether to explore care options across state lines, these regional differences are worth considering, particularly for those anticipating a longer care journey that could stretch over several years.
See how South Carolina's senior care costs compare to nearby states.
Use our interactive calculator to compare all 7 care types, adjust for care intensity, and project costs over time.
Open the CalculatorData sources: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024 (adjusted to 2026), World Population Review 2026, CareScout 2024, state Medicaid agency publications. Costs represent state medians — individual facility prices will vary. Last updated March 2026.