New Data Reveals Stark Regional Differences In Care Home Costs For Self-Funders

New figures from care review website carehome.co.uk highlight significant regional disparities in the cost of care for older people who fund their own care.

The figures show the average weekly cost of a residential care home in the UK is £1,298 – the equivalent of £67,496 a year. But prices vary dramatically depending on where you live.

Key findings

• London: Residential care costs an average of £1,548 per week – £436 more than in the North East, where fees are just £1,112 per week.
• Nursing care is even higher, averaging £1,535 per week nationally, rising to £1,759 in London.
• People with dementia face higher care costs: £1,343 per week for residential dementia support and £1,564 for nursing dementia care.

Regional divide

• North East England: Cheapest region for self-funders, with residential care almost £200 below the UK average. Dementia nursing care costs £1,296 per week, nearly £300 less than the national figure.
• North West England: Residential care averages £1,143 per week.
• Wales: Residential care averages £1,156 per week.
• Scotland: Among the most expensive, with residential care at £1,539 per week, partly due to higher minimum wages for care workers.
• South East England: Residential care averages £1,446 per week.

The data highlights the ongoing North – South divide, with wealthier southern regions charging significantly higher care home fees.

The cost of care – Who pays?

Almost half of older people in care homes (49% in 2022–23) are self-funders (ONS). For those who cannot afford fees, local councils step in, but only after a financial assessment. Savings thresholds for state support:

• England – under £23,250
• Wales – under £50,000
• Scotland – under £35,000

Sue Learner, editor at carehome.co.uk, said: “Our data reveals a huge disparity in care home costs across the UK, underlining how important it is for families to plan ahead – both for the type of care they may need and how to fund it.

“The average weekly cost of residential care is now £1,298, but prices vary dramatically depending on region and care type. Rising costs, driven by increases in the minimum wage and employers’ national insurance contributions, mean local authorities will inevitably have to scale back state-funded care, leaving more families under pressure to top up council funding.

“We have been waiting decades for meaningful social care reform. The government must act to ease the financial burden on families, many of whom are left with no choice but to sell their homes to cover care fees.”