Home Care Costs
in San Diego (2026)
Most families pay $35 to $46 an hour. Here is what non-medical home care costs in San Diego County, what changes the price, and how families pay for it, so you can plan with confidence.
The Short Answer
How Much Does Home Care Cost in San Diego?
$35–$46 per hour
Non-medical home care from a licensed agency in San Diego County typically costs $35 to $46 per hour, with a median around $40. That is in line with the California median of about $40 and above the national median of about $35.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025 (California and national medians); San Diego agency rates from CareScout, A Place for Mom, and Care.com, 2025–2026.
Monthly Estimates
Home Care Cost by Schedule
Estimated monthly cost at the $40 San Diego median, using standard hourly rates. Overtime and weekend or holiday differentials are not included.
| Schedule | Hours per week | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours a day, 3 days a week | 12 | $2,080 |
| 4 hours a day, 5 days a week | 20 | $3,460 |
| 4 hours a day, 7 days a week | 28 | $4,850 |
| 8 hours a day, 5 days a week | 40 | $6,930 |
| 12 hours a day, 7 days a week | 84 | $14,550 |
| 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | 168 | $29,100 |
Monthly figures = $40 × hours per week × 4.33 weeks, rounded. For a detailed breakdown of round-the-clock care, see our 24-hour home care cost guide.
What Changes the Price
What Affects the Cost of Home Care
Hours and schedule
The biggest factor is how many hours of care you need each week. Most agencies, including Cognihealth, have a 4-hour minimum visit.
Overtime
California requires overtime for in-home caregivers after 9 hours in a day or 45 hours in a week. Long shifts can raise the hourly cost.
Weekends and holidays
Weekend and holiday shifts are usually billed at a higher differential rate than weekday care.
Overnight and 24-hour care
24-hour care uses rotating caregivers so someone is always awake. Live-in care follows separate California labor rules; see our live-in care guide.
Level of care
Help with bathing, toileting, mobility, or dementia care takes more skill and supervision than companionship alone.
Agency or private hire
Private caregivers often charge $27 to $31 an hour, but the family becomes the employer. See what an agency rate covers.
Compare Your Options
Home Care vs. Nursing Home Costs in San Diego
| Type of care | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Home care, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week | About $3,460 |
| Home care, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week | About $6,930 |
| Nursing home, semi-private room | About $11,695 |
| Nursing home, private room | About $15,178 |
| Home care, 24 hours a day | About $29,100 |
Home care at the $40 median, standard rates only. Nursing home figures from the California Cost of Care Survey.
For families who need help part of the day, home care usually costs far less than a facility and lets a loved one stay in familiar surroundings. Round-the-clock care at home costs more than a nursing home, but provides one-on-one attention.
Paying for Care
Ways San Diego Families Pay for Home Care
Most families combine private pay with one or more benefits. See the full paying-for-care guide.
- Long-term care insuranceMany policies cover non-medical home care from a licensed agency.
- VA benefitsAid and Attendance can help eligible veterans and surviving spouses pay for care.
- Medicare GUIDE model$2,625 in annual respite care services for qualifying families, equivalent to 76 hours of in-home care.
- IHSSMedi-Cal’s In-Home Supportive Services program for those who qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Home Care Cost Questions
How much does home care cost per hour in San Diego?
Non-medical home care from a licensed agency in San Diego County typically costs $35 to $46 per hour, with a median around $40. That is in line with the California median of about $40 and above the national median of about $35. Rates vary with the schedule, the level of care, and whether care falls on overtime hours, weekends, or holidays.
How much does home health care cost in San Diego?
It depends on which kind of care you mean. Medical home health care, such as nursing or therapy ordered by a doctor, is often covered by Medicare for people who qualify. Non-medical home care, such as help with bathing, meals, companionship, and dementia supervision, is usually paid privately and costs $35 to $46 an hour in San Diego County. Cognihealth provides non-medical home care.
How much does home care cost per month in San Diego?
It depends on hours. At the $40 median, 20 hours a week costs about $3,460 a month, 40 hours a week about $6,930, and 24-hour care about $29,100 (see our 24-hour home care cost guide). These estimates use standard hourly rates and do not include overtime or weekend and holiday differentials.
Does the hourly rate include overtime, weekends, or holidays?
No. The $35 to $46 range reflects standard hourly rates. Overtime hours, weekend shifts, and holiday shifts are usually billed at a higher rate, called a differential. Under California law, in-home caregivers earn overtime after 9 hours in a day or 45 hours in a week, so long shifts and live-in schedules can cost more than the base rate suggests.
Is there a minimum number of hours for home care?
Most San Diego agencies set a minimum visit length. At Cognihealth, the minimum visit is 4 hours, which gives caregivers enough time to help with bathing, meals, companionship, and household tasks without rushing.
Does Medicare pay for in-home care?
Original Medicare does not pay for ongoing non-medical home care, such as help with bathing, meals, or supervision. Some families caring for someone with dementia may qualify for respite care through Medicare’s GUIDE model if they meet GUIDE eligibility requirements. Other options include long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and IHSS for those who qualify.
How do I get an exact price from Cognihealth?
Start with a free home care consultation. We talk through your loved one’s needs and schedule and give you a clear quote, including any overtime, weekend, or holiday costs, before care begins.
Get Started Today
Get an Exact Price for Your Family
Every family’s schedule and needs are different. Call us or request a free consultation, and we will talk through your situation and give you a clear quote for your loved one’s care.