The average care home in England costs £1,300 per week for residential care. Nursing care averages £1,512 per week. Dementia nursing care averages £1,600 per week.
That's the short answer. But the amount your family will actually pay depends on where you live, what level of care is needed, and how the care is funded. This guide breaks down the numbers.
Prices based on LaingBuisson 2024 data, the most widely cited independent source for UK care home fees.
Average Care Home Costs by Type (England, 2026)
| Care type | Average per week | Average per year | What's included |
|---|
| Residential care | £1,300 | £67,600 | Personal care: help with washing, dressing, meals, medication prompts |
| Nursing care | £1,512 | £78,600 | Everything above plus 24-hour registered nursing |
| Dementia nursing | £1,600 | £83,000 | Specialist dementia environment with nursing care |
These are averages across England. Individual homes can charge significantly more or less depending on location, facilities and CQC rating.
Source: LaingBuisson Care Homes for Older People UK Market Report, 2024.
The Total Cost of a Care Home Stay
Most families focus on the weekly fee, but the total cost over a full stay is what matters for financial planning.
The average length of a care home stay in England is approximately 2.5 years (though this varies widely — some residents stay for months, others for 5+ years).
| Care type | Average per week | Avg total cost (2.5 years) |
|---|
| Residential care | £1,300 | £169,000 |
| Nursing care | £1,512 | £196,500 |
| Dementia nursing | £1,600 | £208,000 |
These numbers explain why understanding funding options is essential — and why the question of whether you have to sell the house comes up so often.
How Care Home Costs Have Changed
Care home fees have risen significantly faster than general inflation:
- 2020–2025: Fees increased by approximately 25–30% across England
- Key drivers: National Living Wage increases, energy costs, staff shortages, regulatory requirements
- 2025–2026 outlook: A further 5–8% increase is expected, driven by the National Living Wage rising to £12.21/hour in April 2025
For self-funders, this means the actual cost of care is likely higher than figures published even 12 months ago. Always ask for current fee schedules — published rates may be out of date.
How Costs Vary by Region
Care home fees vary widely across England. The gap between the most and least expensive regions is over £634 per week — a difference of more than £30,000 per year.
| Region | Residential (avg/week) | Nursing (avg/week) |
|---|
| London | £1,600+ | £1,800+ |
| South East | £1,300–£1,500 | £1,500–£1,700 |
| South West | £1,100–£1,300 | £1,300–£1,500 |
| East of England | £1,200–£1,400 | £1,400–£1,600 |
| West Midlands | £975–£1,150 | £1,150–£1,350 |
| North West | £1,000–£1,200 | £1,200–£1,400 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £920–£1,100 | £1,100–£1,300 |
| East Midlands | £890–£1,100 | £1,100–£1,300 |
| North East | £850–£1,050 | £1,050–£1,250 |
Ranges reflect typical private (self-funding) rates based on LaingBuisson 2024 market data and MSIF benchmarks. Council-funded rates are lower — see "Who pays?" below.
For specific pricing in your area, our location pages show care home costs at a council level.
What Affects the Price?
Five main factors determine what a specific care home charges:
1. Type of care. Nursing care costs more than residential because it requires qualified nurses on-site around the clock. Dementia-specialist environments add further cost for adapted facilities and higher staffing ratios. If you're unsure which type your parent needs, see our guide to the difference between care homes and nursing homes.
2. Region. Staff wages and property costs drive regional differences. A residential home in central London can cost twice as much as one in the North East of England.
3. Room type. A shared room is cheaper than a single room. An en-suite single room is the most common option but costs more. Some homes offer premium rooms with views or extra space at a higher rate.
4. CQC rating and reputation. Homes rated "Outstanding" by the Care Quality Commission tend to charge higher fees — and often have waiting lists. Homes rated "Requires Improvement" may be cheaper but come with quality concerns. See our guide to quality signals beyond the CQC rating.
5. Operator type. Large chains may have standardised pricing with less flexibility. Independent homes may vary more in both price and what's included in the fee.
What's Usually Included — and What Isn't
Most care home fees cover accommodation, meals, personal care, activities and laundry. But extras can add up:
- Hairdressing: £20–£40 per visit
- Chiropody: £25–£50 per visit
- Continence supplies: Sometimes charged separately (£30–£60/week)
- Outings and transport: Often extra
- Premium room upgrades: £50–£200/week above standard rate
Always ask for a written breakdown of what's included before committing. Knowing the right questions to ask can save you from unexpected costs.
Who Pays for Care?
There are three main funding pathways in England:
Self-funding (you pay). If your total assets — including property in most cases — are above £23,250, you pay the full fee yourself. Around 37% of care home residents are self-funders (ONS, 2022-23).
Council funding. If your assets are below £23,250, your local council may contribute to care costs after a financial assessment. Between £14,250 and £23,250, you receive partial support.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). If your loved one has significant, ongoing health needs, the NHS may fund 100% of care costs — regardless of finances. This is based on a health assessment, not a means test. Awareness is low, so it's worth exploring even if you assume you won't qualify.
There are also options like Deferred Payment Agreements (to avoid selling a property immediately) and Funded Nursing Care (£220.46/week towards nursing costs in a nursing home, available to all nursing home residents regardless of finances).
For a detailed guide to each pathway, see our Care Home Funding Eligibility Guide.
How to Reduce Care Home Costs
This is one of the most searched questions families have. Here are the main ways to lower what you pay:
1. Check NHS Continuing Healthcare eligibility
If your parent's primary need is health-related, CHC can fund 100% of care costs — regardless of assets. Many families are never told about this. Ask the GP or hospital to start a CHC checklist assessment.
2. Claim Funded Nursing Care
If your parent is in a nursing home, £220.46 per week is paid directly by the NHS towards nursing costs. This is automatic but check it's being applied — some homes don't pass the benefit through correctly.
3. Apply for Attendance Allowance
Up to £108.55 per week for anyone over State Pension age who needs help with personal care. Not means-tested and can be claimed even if self-funding. This adds up to £5,645 per year.
4. Use MSIF data to understand fair pricing
Government MSIF data shows what councils pay care homes for each type of care in your area. If you're being quoted significantly more than the council rate, you can use this as a reference point in discussions. See our guide on what councils pay vs what you're quoted.
5. Compare multiple homes
Fees vary significantly even within the same postcode. Getting quotes from 3–5 homes gives you a realistic picture of the local market and negotiating position.
6. Ask about council-rate beds
Some care homes offer a limited number of beds at council-funded rates, even to self-funders. It's worth asking — especially if the home has vacancies.
How to Find Out What Care Homes Near You Actually Charge
Care homes don't always publish their prices. Fees are often quoted individually, and the same home may charge different rates to different residents. This makes comparison difficult.
A few ways to get pricing information:
- Call directly and ask for a fee schedule for the care type you need
- Check carehome.co.uk — some homes list indicative prices
- Ask about MSIF benchmarks — government data showing what councils consider a fair rate for care in your area
Our free report compares 3 care homes in your area, including how their pricing sits relative to regional averages — delivered in 10 minutes, no phone call required.
Get your free care home comparison report →
Further Reading
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