Care home costs in the UK vary widely depending on where you live, the type of care needed, the home you choose and whether the person is paying privately, receiving local authority support or eligible for NHS funding. For many families, the weekly fee is one of the biggest worries when choosing a care home. It can also be one of the most confusing parts of the process.
A care home in London or the South East may cost hundreds of pounds more per week than a similar type of home in the North East, Wales or parts of the Midlands. Nursing care usually costs more than residential care. Dementia care may also cost more, especially when the person needs specialist support, higher staffing levels or nursing input.
This guide explains average care home costs by UK region, why prices vary so much, what families should ask before agreeing to a placement, and how funding works if someone cannot afford to pay privately.
If you are still comparing care quality as well as price, you may also want to read our guide to what a good care home should look like. Cost matters, but the cheapest care home is not always the right care home, and the most expensive care home is not always the best.
Quick summary: how much does a care home cost in the UK?
As a broad UK average, residential care for a self-funder costs around £1,298 per week, while nursing care costs around £1,535 per week. Specialist residential dementia care averages around £1,343 per week, and nursing dementia care averages around £1,564 per week.
These are averages, not fixed prices. A real weekly fee may be lower or higher depending on:
- the region and local property costs
- whether the home provides residential, nursing or dementia care
- the person’s assessed needs
- whether one-to-one support is needed
- room size, en-suite facilities and location within the home
- whether the home is privately funded or local authority funded
- whether extras are charged separately
- how often the home increases fees
Always ask each care home for a written fee quote based on the person’s actual needs. Published averages are useful for planning, but they should never replace a proper assessment and written contract.
Average care home costs by region in the UK
The figures below are average weekly self-funder fees. They are intended as a guide for families who want to understand regional differences before comparing individual homes.
| Region | Residential care | Nursing care | Residential dementia care | Nursing dementia care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | £1,197 per week | £1,380 per week | £1,243 per week | £1,415 per week |
| East of England | £1,359 per week | £1,606 per week | £1,394 per week | £1,573 per week |
| London | £1,548 per week | £1,759 per week | £1,599 per week | £1,767 per week |
| North East England | £1,112 per week | £1,264 per week | £1,147 per week | £1,296 per week |
| North West England | £1,143 per week | £1,422 per week | £1,184 per week | £1,470 per week |
| Scotland | £1,539 per week | £1,646 per week | £1,603 per week | £1,656 per week |
| South East England | £1,446 per week | £1,706 per week | £1,515 per week | £1,721 per week |
| South West England | £1,339 per week | £1,595 per week | £1,387 per week | £1,627 per week |
| Wales | £1,156 per week | £1,394 per week | £1,217 per week | £1,440 per week |
These regional averages show why care planning can look very different from one family to another. A person needing nursing dementia care in London may face a typical weekly fee of more than £1,700, while residential care in the North East may average closer to £1,100 per week.
The difference over a full year can be substantial. A weekly difference of £300 is more than £15,000 over 12 months. A weekly difference of £500 is more than £26,000 over 12 months.
Annual care home costs by region
Weekly fees can sometimes hide the scale of the long-term cost. Looking at annual costs often gives families a clearer picture.
| Region | Residential care per year | Nursing care per year | Residential dementia care per year | Nursing dementia care per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | £62,244 | £71,760 | £64,636 | £73,580 |
| East of England | £70,668 | £83,512 | £72,488 | £81,796 |
| London | £80,496 | £91,468 | £83,148 | £91,884 |
| North East England | £57,824 | £65,728 | £59,644 | £67,392 |
| North West England | £59,436 | £73,944 | £61,568 | £76,440 |
| Scotland | £80,028 | £85,592 | £83,356 | £86,112 |
| South East England | £75,192 | £88,712 | £78,780 | £89,492 |
| South West England | £69,628 | £82,940 | £72,124 | £84,604 |
| Wales | £60,112 | £72,488 | £63,284 | £74,880 |
These annual figures are simple weekly averages multiplied by 52. They do not include possible extras, fee increases, temporary one-to-one support, deposits, hairdressing, chiropody, trips, newspapers, toiletries or other additional charges.
Why do care home costs vary so much by region?
Regional differences are not random. Care home fees are shaped by local economics, staffing pressures, property costs and the type of care being provided.
Property and land costs
Care homes in London, the South East and parts of the South West often face higher property costs. Land, rent, mortgages, building maintenance, insurance and refurbishment can all be more expensive. These costs are reflected in weekly fees.
This does not mean every expensive home is better. It may simply mean the home operates in a more expensive area.
Staff wages and recruitment pressure
Care homes rely heavily on staff. Wages, recruitment, training, agency cover and management costs are major parts of the weekly fee. In areas where the cost of living is higher or care homes compete with hospitals, home care providers, hospitality and retail employers, staffing costs may rise.
Homes that provide nursing care must also employ registered nurses, which usually makes nursing home fees higher than residential care fees.
Type and complexity of care
Residential care is usually cheaper than nursing care because it does not include 24-hour registered nursing support on site. Dementia care may cost more if residents need higher staffing, specialist training, more supervision, adapted activities or a dementia-friendly environment.
Costs can rise further if someone needs:
- two carers for moving and handling
- hoist transfers
- complex medication support
- specialist dementia care
- frequent night-time support
- pressure sore prevention
- swallowing support
- one-to-one supervision
- end-of-life care
Local authority rates
Local authorities pay care homes at rates agreed through local contracts or placements. These rates vary by council area. In some places, the amount a council pays may be significantly lower than what a self-funding resident is charged.
This can create a confusing situation where two residents in the same care home may pay different amounts depending on whether they are privately funded, partly council funded, fully council funded or NHS funded.
Room type and facilities
A larger room, en-suite bathroom, garden view or premium room may cost more. Some homes have a standard fee; others charge differently depending on room size or facilities.
When comparing homes, ask whether the quoted fee is for the specific room being offered or just a general starting price.
London care home costs
London is one of the most expensive areas for care home fees. Average weekly costs are around £1,548 for residential care, £1,759 for nursing care, £1,599 for residential dementia care and £1,767 for nursing dementia care.
Within London, prices can vary significantly by borough and by provider. Homes in areas with high property values and strong demand may charge much more than the regional average. Some families look outside London to reduce costs, but this needs careful thought. A cheaper home further away may make regular family visits harder, and for someone with dementia, a major move to an unfamiliar area may be distressing.
When comparing London homes, ask:
- Is the quoted fee a starting price or the actual fee for this room?
- Does the fee include dementia or nursing care?
- How often do fees increase?
- Are there extra charges?
- Could a move outside London affect family visits?
- Would the person cope with being further from familiar places?
South East England care home costs
The South East is also one of the most expensive regions. Average weekly fees are around £1,446 for residential care, £1,706 for nursing care, £1,515 for residential dementia care and £1,721 for nursing dementia care.
Counties such as Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Kent can include areas with high property costs and strong demand for private care. Families may find wide variation even within the same county.
If you are self-funding in the South East, it is especially important to ask about long-term affordability. A placement that feels manageable for six months may become difficult over several years, especially if fees increase annually.
South West England care home costs
In the South West, average weekly fees are around £1,339 for residential care, £1,595 for nursing care, £1,387 for residential dementia care and £1,627 for nursing dementia care.
The region includes both expensive coastal or retirement areas and more affordable inland areas. Demand can be high in places where many older people retire, and this may affect availability and price.
Families should compare not only the weekly fee, but also access to family, hospital services, GP support, dementia care, nursing capability and whether the home can meet future needs.
East of England care home costs
The East of England has average weekly fees of around £1,359 for residential care, £1,606 for nursing care, £1,394 for residential dementia care and £1,573 for nursing dementia care.
Costs may be higher in areas close to London or in popular retirement locations. There can also be strong demand in parts of Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
When comparing homes in this region, ask whether the fee reflects the person’s current needs only, or whether it could rise if they later need more support with mobility, dementia, continence or nursing care.
East Midlands care home costs
In the East Midlands, average weekly costs are around £1,197 for residential care, £1,380 for nursing care, £1,243 for residential dementia care and £1,415 for nursing dementia care.
This region is generally less expensive than London and the South East, but care home fees are still a major long-term cost. A residential placement at the regional average is more than £62,000 per year.
Families should still compare quality carefully. A lower fee does not automatically mean poor care, and a higher fee does not automatically mean better care. Look at staffing, management, CQC reports, food, activities and communication as well as price.
North West England care home costs
In the North West, average weekly care home costs are around £1,143 for residential care, £1,422 for nursing care, £1,184 for residential dementia care and £1,470 for nursing dementia care.
Costs can vary between large cities, suburbs, smaller towns and rural areas. Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, Lancashire and Cumbria may all have different price patterns.
Because nursing and dementia nursing fees can be significantly higher than residential care, it is important to understand whether the person’s needs are likely to increase. If they may need nursing care later, ask whether the current home can provide it or whether a future move may be needed.
North East England care home costs
The North East has some of the lowest average care home costs in the UK, with average weekly fees around £1,112 for residential care, £1,264 for nursing care, £1,147 for residential dementia care and £1,296 for nursing dementia care.
However, “lower cost” does not mean cheap. Residential care at the regional average is still nearly £58,000 per year, and nursing dementia care is more than £67,000 per year.
Families should avoid assuming that a lower-cost region means care will be easy to afford. The key questions are still: how long might care be needed, what assets are available, could local authority support apply, and what happens if money runs down?
Scotland care home costs
Scotland has average weekly fees of around £1,539 for residential care, £1,646 for nursing care, £1,603 for residential dementia care and £1,656 for nursing dementia care.
Care funding rules differ between Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own arrangements for free personal and nursing care, but this does not necessarily mean all care home costs are covered. Accommodation, living costs and additional fees may still apply depending on circumstances.
If you are arranging care in Scotland, check current guidance from the relevant local council and official Scottish sources before making decisions. Do not rely on English funding thresholds or assumptions.
Wales care home costs
In Wales, average weekly fees are around £1,156 for residential care, £1,394 for nursing care, £1,217 for residential dementia care and £1,440 for nursing dementia care.
Funding rules and capital limits in Wales are different from England. Families should check local authority guidance in Wales and ask the care home whether fees differ for self-funders and local authority-funded residents.
As elsewhere, the right care home should be chosen on care needs, safety, dignity, family access and affordability, not price alone.
Why nursing care costs more than residential care
Nursing care usually costs more because the home must provide registered nursing support. This may be needed when someone has complex health needs, pressure sore risks, significant medication needs, advanced frailty, swallowing difficulties, catheter care, wound care, complex diabetes management, palliative care or other clinical needs.
If a person needs nursing care, ask:
- Is a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day?
- How many nurses are usually on duty?
- What nursing needs can the home manage?
- What would be outside the home’s capability?
- How does the home work with GPs, district nurses and hospitals?
- Is NHS-funded nursing care included or deducted from the quoted fee?
NHS-funded nursing care, often called FNC, may be paid directly to a nursing home if the person has been assessed as needing care from a registered nurse but does not qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Ask the home and the NHS team how this is handled in the fee.
Why dementia care may cost more
Dementia care may cost more because some residents need additional support, supervision, staff training and adapted environments. Dementia can affect memory, judgement, communication, sleep, appetite, personal care, mobility, mood and behaviour.
Higher fees may reflect:
- specialist dementia training
- higher staffing levels
- secure gardens or safe walking areas
- adapted activities
- more time for personal care
- night-time support
- support with distress or agitation
- more frequent care planning and reviews
If you are looking for dementia care, do not judge by price alone. Ask how the home supports residents who become distressed, walk around at night, resist personal care, ask repeated questions, lose interest in food or need end-of-life care.
You may also want to read our guide to dementia care homes in the UK.
What is usually included in care home fees?
Each care home sets its own fee structure, so you should always ask for written details. In many homes, the weekly fee may include:
- accommodation
- meals and drinks
- personal care
- laundry
- heating and utilities
- basic activities
- staff support
- care planning
- cleaning
However, some services may be charged separately. These can include:
- hairdressing
- chiropody
- newspapers
- private phone line
- premium activities or trips
- toiletries
- clothing
- escorts to appointments
- transport
- one-to-one support
- specialist equipment
Before agreeing to a placement, ask for a clear written list of what is included and what costs extra.
Questions to ask about care home fees
When you speak to a care home, ask direct questions about money. A good care home should be able to explain fees clearly and without pressure.
- What is the weekly fee for this specific room?
- Is this a starting price or the actual assessed fee?
- Does the fee include residential, nursing or dementia care?
- What exactly is included?
- What costs extra?
- How often do fees increase?
- How much notice is given before a fee rise?
- Is a deposit required?
- What is the notice period?
- What happens if the resident goes into hospital?
- What happens after death?
- Is anyone being asked to act as guarantor?
- Do you accept local authority-funded residents?
- Would a top-up fee be needed?
- Do you accept NHS Continuing Healthcare-funded residents?
If a home gives vague answers or says “we will sort that later”, be cautious. You should understand the financial commitment before signing.
Self-funders vs local authority-funded residents
A self-funder is someone who pays for their own care. In England, this usually applies if their capital is above the upper financial threshold. The local council may help if the person has eligible care needs and their capital is below the relevant threshold.
If the local authority is involved, it will usually carry out:
- a care needs assessment
- a financial assessment
- a decision about the person’s personal budget
Age UK explains that if someone is eligible for local authority financial support, the council must calculate a personal budget that is enough to pay for at least one suitable care home. If the family chooses a more expensive home, a third-party top-up may be needed.
You can read more in our guide to how social care funding works in the UK.
What are care home top-up fees?
A top-up fee may apply when the local authority agrees to fund care, but the preferred care home costs more than the council’s personal budget. The difference may need to be paid by a relative, friend or another third party.
Top-up fees should be treated carefully. They can last for years and may increase over time. Before agreeing, ask:
- How much is the top-up fee?
- Who is legally responsible for paying it?
- Can it increase?
- What happens if the person paying can no longer afford it?
- Is there at least one suitable care home available without a top-up?
- Is the agreement in writing?
Do not agree to a top-up fee casually, especially if your own finances are limited.
What happens if a self-funder runs out of money?
If someone is paying privately and their savings fall towards the local authority threshold, contact the council early. Do not wait until money has almost run out.
The council may need time to carry out a needs assessment and financial assessment. It will then decide whether the person qualifies for support and what it considers an appropriate budget for their care.
Important questions include:
- Will the current care home accept local authority funding?
- Will a top-up fee be needed?
- Could the person be asked to move?
- How much notice is required?
- Can the council identify a suitable alternative placement?
If you think money may run down within the next year, ask for advice early. Last-minute funding problems can be stressful and may reduce options.
Does NHS Continuing Healthcare cover care home costs?
NHS Continuing Healthcare, often called CHC, is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for some adults with significant ongoing health needs. It is not based on savings or income. It is based on whether the person has a primary health need.
If someone qualifies for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the NHS may pay for the full care package, including care in a care home. This is different from local authority funding and different from NHS-funded nursing care.
CHC may be relevant where someone has complex, intense, unpredictable or rapidly changing health needs. It can be relevant for some people with advanced dementia, complex nursing needs, severe mobility problems, challenging symptoms, end-of-life needs or multiple serious health issues.
You can read our guide to NHS Continuing Healthcare for a fuller explanation.
Could moving regions reduce care home costs?
In theory, moving to a less expensive region can reduce care home fees. In practice, this is a serious decision that should not be based on price alone.
A cheaper region may mean:
- family visits become harder
- the person moves away from familiar places
- existing GP, hospital or community links are disrupted
- the person may feel isolated
- someone with dementia may become more unsettled
For some families, moving closer to adult children in another region makes sense. For others, staying local is better even if fees are higher. The right answer depends on care needs, family involvement, emotional wellbeing, funding and long-term affordability.
Is the cheapest care home a bad choice?
No. A lower-cost care home can still provide kind, safe and personalised care. Some homes cost less because property costs are lower, the building is older, the room is smaller or the region is less expensive.
However, you should still check quality carefully. Before choosing a lower-cost home, ask:
- Can it meet the person’s needs safely?
- Are staffing levels adequate?
- What does the latest CQC report say?
- Do residents look comfortable and respected?
- Is the manager open and clear?
- Are fees transparent?
- Can the home support future needs?
Use cost as one factor, not the only factor.
Is the most expensive care home the best?
Not necessarily. A higher fee may reflect location, property costs, room size, hotel-style facilities or private provider pricing. These may be valuable, but they do not automatically guarantee better care.
A good care home should show quality through:
- kind staff
- safe care
- good leadership
- clear communication
- proper medication systems
- meaningful activities
- good food and hydration support
- personalised care planning
- family involvement
- honest answers about what it can and cannot provide
If you are comparing care homes, read our guide to what a good care home looks like.
How to compare care home costs properly
When comparing homes, do not simply compare headline weekly fees. A home with a lower weekly fee may charge more extras. A home with a higher fee may include more services. Another home may start cheaper but increase fees more often.
Create a comparison table with:
- weekly fee
- room type
- type of care included
- nursing care included or not
- dementia care included or not
- extra charges
- deposit
- notice period
- fee increase policy
- hospital stay policy
- contract terms after death
- local authority funding acceptance
- top-up fee position
- whether the home can meet future needs
Ask each home for the information in writing. If the home will not provide clear written fee details, consider that a warning sign.
Care home contracts: financial points to check
Before signing a care home contract, read the financial terms carefully. If you are unsure, consider getting advice.
Check:
- who is signing the contract
- whether anyone is signing as guarantor
- the exact weekly fee
- what is included
- what is excluded
- when invoices are issued
- how fees are reviewed
- how much notice is given for increases
- the notice period if the resident leaves
- what happens during hospital admission
- what happens if the resident dies
- whether deposits are refundable
- whether top-up fees are separate
Be very careful if you are asked to sign anything that could make you personally responsible for another person’s fees.
Planning for long-term care home costs
Care home stays vary widely. Some people stay for weeks of respite care. Others live in a care home for several years. Because costs are high, families should think beyond the first few months.
Questions to consider include:
- How long could the person realistically need care?
- Are fees likely to increase each year?
- Could care needs increase?
- Would nursing care be needed later?
- Could dementia care become more complex?
- What income is available?
- What savings or assets are available?
- Could the home be included in a financial assessment?
- Is a deferred payment agreement relevant?
- Should the family seek financial advice?
Care funding decisions can affect property, savings, inheritance, benefits and family finances. For complex situations, specialist financial or legal advice may be useful.
Regional cost should not be the only decision
It is natural to compare regions when the cost difference is so large. But a care home is not only a financial decision. It is the person’s home, care setting and daily life.
Before choosing based on price, consider:
- how often family can visit
- whether the person knows the area
- whether the home can meet dementia or nursing needs
- how well the person may settle
- the quality of staff and leadership
- the home’s inspection history
- the person’s preferences
- future care needs
The right care home is one that is safe, suitable, affordable and emotionally realistic for the person and family.
Final thoughts
Care home costs by region in the UK vary by hundreds of pounds per week. London, Scotland, the South East, South West and East of England often show some of the highest average fees, while Wales, the North East and North West are generally lower. But averages are only a starting point.
The real cost depends on the specific home, the specific room, the person’s care needs, funding route, contract terms and future changes in health. Always ask for a written fee quote after assessment. Always check what is included. Always ask about fee increases, top-up fees, deposits and what happens if money runs down.
Most importantly, do not choose on price alone. A good care home should offer safety, dignity, kind staff, clear communication and care that fits the person. Cost matters, but care quality matters too.
For more help, read our guides to care home fees, social care funding in the UK, how to choose a care home and what a good care home should look like.
Frequently asked questions
Which UK region has the highest care home costs?
London, Scotland and the South East tend to have some of the highest average care home costs, depending on the type of care. London has particularly high average fees for residential, nursing and dementia care.
Which UK region has the lowest care home costs?
The North East of England and Wales are among the lower-cost areas on average. However, fees still vary by individual home, room type, care needs and funding arrangement.
How much does residential care cost in the UK?
Average residential care for self-funders is around £1,298 per week across the UK, but regional averages vary. London and the South East are usually higher, while the North East, North West and Wales are generally lower.
How much does nursing care cost in the UK?
Nursing care averages around £1,535 per week across the UK. It usually costs more than residential care because registered nurses are available on site to support residents with nursing needs.
Why is dementia care more expensive?
Dementia care may cost more because residents may need specialist staff training, more supervision, adapted activities, dementia-friendly environments and extra support with personal care, eating, distress, communication or night-time confusion.
Do care home fees include everything?
Not always. Some homes include accommodation, food, care, laundry and basic activities in the weekly fee. Others charge extra for services such as hairdressing, chiropody, transport, trips, newspapers, toiletries or one-to-one support. Always ask for a written list of what is included.
Can care home fees increase?
Yes. Many care homes review fees annually, and fees may also change if the resident’s care needs increase. Ask how often fees are reviewed, how much notice is given and whether increases are linked to inflation, staffing costs or care needs.
Will the local council pay for a care home?
The local council may contribute if the person has eligible care needs and qualifies after a financial assessment. The council will decide how much support it can provide. If the chosen home costs more than the council’s budget, a top-up fee may be needed.
What is a care home top-up fee?
A top-up fee is an extra payment, usually made by a family member or another third party, when the preferred care home costs more than the local authority is willing to pay. Top-up fees should be agreed carefully because they can be a long-term financial commitment.
What happens if someone runs out of money in a care home?
If a self-funder’s capital falls towards the local authority threshold, the family should contact the council early to request an assessment. The council may help if the person qualifies, but the current care home may require a top-up fee or may not accept the council’s rate.
Does NHS Continuing Healthcare pay care home fees?
If someone qualifies for NHS Continuing Healthcare, the NHS may pay for the full care package, including care in a care home. Eligibility is based on health needs, not savings or income. It is separate from local authority social care funding.
Is it cheaper to move to another region for care?
Sometimes, but it should not be decided on cost alone. Moving region may reduce fees, but it can also make family visits harder, disrupt familiar routines and distress someone with dementia. The quality and suitability of care are just as important as price.
Are expensive care homes always better?
No. Higher fees may reflect location, room size, property costs or luxury facilities rather than better care. Always check staffing, leadership, inspection reports, resident dignity, communication, food, medication safety and whether the home can meet the person’s needs.
Are cheaper care homes unsafe?
No. A lower-cost care home can still provide safe, kind and personalised care. Regional property and staffing costs affect fees. However, every home should be checked carefully for quality, safety, leadership and suitability.
Should I get financial advice before choosing a care home?
Financial advice may be useful if the person has property, significant savings, complex family finances, possible benefit issues or uncertainty about long-term affordability. Care home fees can affect savings, property, inheritance and future choices, so planning matters.
