How much does a care home cost in the UK?
One of the most common questions families face is: how much will a care home actually cost? The honest answer is that fees vary widely — but this guide gives you realistic numbers, explains what affects the price, and explains how council funding works.
Average care home costs in 2025
Based on 2024/25 local authority rate cards, the typical weekly fee for a residential care home in England is around £900–£1,200 per week. Nursing homes — which provide 24-hour nursing care — are typically £100–£200 per week more than residential homes due to the additional clinical staffing.
| Care type | Average weekly fee (England) | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Residential care | £900–£1,100/week | £47,000–£57,000/year |
| Nursing care | £1,000–£1,300/week | £52,000–£68,000/year |
| Dementia care | £950–£1,200/week | £49,000–£62,000/year |
| Specialist care | £1,200–£1,800+/week | £62,000–£94,000+/year |
* Figures are national averages and vary significantly by region. London and South East typically run 15–25% higher.
What affects the cost?
- Location: London and the South East are significantly more expensive than the North or Midlands.
- Level of care: The more complex the care needs, the higher the fee. Nursing and dementia care cost more than basic residential.
- Room type: En-suite rooms, larger rooms, or garden views typically command a premium.
- Funding type: Self-funders often pay more than the rates councils pay on behalf of their residents.
- Home quality: Outstanding-rated homes tend to charge more, though not always.
Regional differences
Fees vary considerably by region:
| Region | Typical residential weekly fee |
|---|---|
| London | £1,100–£1,600/week |
| South East (Surrey, Kent) | £1,000–£1,300/week |
| South West | £850–£1,100/week |
| East of England | £900–£1,100/week |
| Midlands | £800–£1,000/week |
| North West | £750–£950/week |
| Yorkshire & North East | £700–£900/week |
Who pays — council funding or self-funding?
If you have savings and assets over £23,250 (the current capital limit), you are expected to pay your own care fees in full — this is called self-funding.
If your savings fall below this threshold, your local council may contribute to your costs through a means-tested assessment. The council will fund care at its own rate, and the care home may charge a “top-up” if their fees exceed the council's rate.
If you need nursing care and the NHS assesses you as having a “primary health need”, you may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) — a fully funded package that covers all care home costs.
How are fees shown on CareDirectory?
The fees shown on our listings are estimated weekly averages based on published 2024/25 local authority rate cards for each county. They are indicative and may not reflect the exact fee charged by that specific home. Always contact the home directly or request a care assessment to get an accurate quote based on your loved one's needs.
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