Care Home Costs by Region
Care home fees vary dramatically across the UK — from over £1,500 a week in London to under £1,100 in parts of the North. This guide shows average weekly costs by region for residential, nursing, and dementia care, so you can plan ahead with confidence.
UK National Averages (2026)
These are self-funder averages — the rates paid by people funding their own care. Council-funded rates are typically 20–30% lower. Costs have risen approximately 5–7% year-on-year since 2022, driven by increases in the National Living Wage and employer National Insurance contributions.
Average Weekly Costs by Region
Click any column header to sort. Figures are average weekly self-funder rates. Click a region row to see more detail.
| Region ↕ | Residential ↓ | Nursing ↕ | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
London Above average | £1,548 | £1,759 | +£250/wk |
Scotland Above average | £1,539 | £1,750 | +£241/wk |
South East Above average | £1,446 | £1,650 | +£148/wk |
East of England Near average | £1,320 | £1,520 | +£22/wk |
South West Near average | £1,265 | £1,480 | -£33/wk |
Wales Below average | £1,156 | £1,350 | -£142/wk |
North West Below average | £1,143 | £1,340 | -£155/wk |
North East Below average | £1,112 | £1,296 | -£186/wk |
West Midlands Near average | £1,110 | £1,310 | -£188/wk |
East Midlands Near average | £1,090 | £1,290 | -£208/wk |
Yorkshire & Humber Below average | £1,050 | £1,250 | -£248/wk |
Northern Ireland Below average | £1,000 | £1,200 | -£298/wk |
Sources: carehome.co.uk regional data (Oct 2025), thecarefinder.co.uk (Apr 2026). Figures are averages for self-funders; individual homes vary significantly. Nursing care figures include the NHS-funded nursing care (FNC) contribution of £267.68/wk where applicable.
What Drives Regional Differences?
Staff wages
Care homes must pay at least the National Living Wage (£12.21/hr from April 2025). In high-cost areas like London, homes often pay considerably more to attract and retain staff, pushing up fees.
Property costs
Care homes in London and the South East face much higher property costs — whether leasing or owning their buildings. These costs are passed on to residents through higher weekly fees.
Council fee rates
Local authorities set the rates they pay for council-funded residents. In areas where councils pay more, care homes can sustain higher overall fee levels, which also affects self-funder pricing.
Supply and demand
In areas with fewer care home places relative to the older population — particularly London and the South East — providers can charge more. In the North, greater supply keeps prices more competitive.
How to Manage Care Home Costs
Check your funding entitlement first
Before comparing care home fees, use our calculator to understand whether you qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (fully funded), local authority support, or need to self-fund. This will determine your actual out-of-pocket cost.
Claim all benefits you are entitled to
Self-funders may be eligible for Attendance Allowance (up to £114.60/wk in 2026/27), which is not means-tested and does not affect other income. Pension Credit, if not already claimed, can also increase entitlement to other support.
Ask about Deferred Payment Agreements
If you own a property, you may be able to delay selling it by entering a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) with your local authority. The council pays your fees and places a legal charge on your property, repaid when it is eventually sold.
Negotiate the fee — or ask what is included
Many care homes will negotiate fees, particularly if you are moving in quickly or can pay a lump sum. Always ask for a full written fee schedule so you know exactly what is and is not included in the weekly rate.
Consider independent financial advice
A specialist later-life financial adviser (look for SOLLA-accredited advisers) can help you structure your assets to minimise care costs legally, claim all available benefits, and plan for the long term.
Find Out What You Are Entitled To
Knowing the regional average is only part of the picture. Use our free calculator to find out whether you qualify for NHS funding, local authority support, or need to self-fund — based on your specific circumstances.