CaringScout

How Much Does Home Care Cost in 2026?

A complete guide to home care pricing — hourly rates, monthly costs, what affects pricing, and how to pay for care.

Updated April 2026 | Based on data from 481+ agencies on CaringScout

Quick Answer

The average cost of home care in the United States is $28–$33 per hour in 2026. For full-time care (40 hours/week), expect to pay $4,800–$5,700 per month. Rates vary widely by location, care type, and number of hours needed.

Average Home Care Costs by Type

Care TypeAverage CostRange
Hourly Care$30/hr$20–$45/hr
Full Day (8 hours)$240/day$160–$360/day
Live-In (24 hours)$300/day$250–$400/day
Monthly (40 hrs/week)$5,200/mo$3,500–$7,800/mo
Skilled Nursing (RN)$50/hr$35–$75/hr

Source: CaringScout agency data, Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2025-2026.

Home Care Costs by State

Home care costs vary dramatically by state. States with higher costs of living — like California, New York, and Massachusetts — have significantly higher hourly rates. Southern and Midwest states tend to be more affordable.

StateAvg Hourly RateMonthly (40 hrs/wk)
California$36/hr$6,240
New York$34/hr$5,890
Florida$28/hr$4,850
Texas$26/hr$4,500
Illinois$30/hr$5,200
Pennsylvania$29/hr$5,020
Ohio$25/hr$4,330
Georgia$24/hr$4,160
Arizona$29/hr$5,020
Massachusetts$35/hr$6,060

What Affects Home Care Cost?

Type of Care

Companion care (errands, meals, company) costs less than personal care (bathing, dressing, mobility), which costs less than skilled nursing (RN-level medical care).

Hours Per Week

Most agencies offer lower per-hour rates for higher weekly commitments. Expect 10–20% discounts for 40+ hours/week compared to 10-hour minimums.

Location

Urban areas cost 20–40% more than rural areas. This reflects local cost of living, caregiver wages, and competition among agencies.

Time of Day

Overnight care, weekend shifts, and holidays often carry surcharges of 10–25% above standard hourly rates.

Caregiver Qualifications

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) costs more than a home health aide. Licensed practical nurses (LPN) and registered nurses (RN) command the highest rates.

Agency vs. Independent

Agencies charge 30–50% more than independent caregivers but handle background checks, insurance, backup coverage, and payroll taxes.

How to Pay for Home Care

Payment SourceCoversLimitations
Private PayAll types of home careMost common; out-of-pocket
Long-Term Care InsuranceMost non-medical and medical careMust have purchased policy in advance; elimination period applies
MedicareSkilled nursing, therapy onlyMust be homebound; intermittent care only; does NOT cover non-medical care
MedicaidVaries by state; many cover home careIncome/asset limits; waitlists common in many states
VA BenefitsAid & Attendance benefit for veteransMust qualify; up to $2,431/month for care

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does home care cost per hour in 2026?
The national average for home care is $28–$33 per hour in 2026. Rates vary significantly by location, ranging from $20/hr in rural areas to $45+/hr in major metro areas like New York or San Francisco. The type of care also affects pricing — companion care is typically cheaper than skilled nursing.
How much does 24-hour home care cost?
24-hour home care typically costs $250–$400 per day, or $7,500–$12,000 per month. Live-in care (where one caregiver stays overnight) is usually 20–30% less expensive than shift-based 24-hour care, which uses multiple caregivers in 8 or 12-hour shifts.
Does Medicare cover home care?
Medicare covers limited home health services (skilled nursing, physical therapy) if you are homebound and need intermittent care ordered by a doctor. Medicare does NOT cover non-medical home care such as help with bathing, dressing, meals, or companionship — which is what most families need. Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and VA benefits may help cover these costs.
What is the difference between home care and home health?
Home care (also called non-medical home care) provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meals, errands, and companionship. Home health care provides medical services like wound care, injections, and physical therapy performed by licensed nurses or therapists. Home health is typically covered by Medicare; home care usually is not.
How can I reduce the cost of home care?
Several strategies can reduce home care costs: (1) Compare rates from multiple agencies — prices can vary 30–50% in the same city. (2) Start with fewer hours and increase as needed. (3) Ask about package rates for 40+ hours/week. (4) Check if the agency accepts long-term care insurance or Medicaid. (5) Consider a live-in caregiver instead of shift-based care for 24-hour needs.

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