10 Cities with Affordable Nursing Homes

You might want to do something nice for your children today, at least if you plan to seek their help paying for a nursing home. A private room in a skilled nursing facility now costs a median price of $74,208 annually, or about $203 a day, according to a new survey.

If you're willing to share a semi-private room the national median cost is $66,850, the survey of more than 14,000 care providers by long-term care insurance giant Genworth Financial found. Slightly more affordable long-term care options include an assisted living facility ($33,903 annually, not including entrance fees) and home health aid services ($31 an hour). Even the most affordable option, adult day health care, will cost a median of $54 a day.

But prices vary considerably by state and city. U.S. News delved into Genworth Financial's nursing home price data to find the U.S. cities with the lowest nursing home rates for both private and semi-private rooms. Here's a look at the 10 cities with the most affordable nursing homes.

Cities With the Lowest Annual Costs for a Private Room in a Nursing Home

             City                                            Median annual cost

1. Albany, Ga.                                     $45,589
2. Lawton, Okla.                                 $46,888
3. Texarkana, Ark. and Texas       $47,085
4. Lake Charles, La.                          $47,145
5.  Longview, Texas                           $47,450
6. Fort Smith, Ark. and Okla.         $48,180
7. Shreveport, La.                              $48,454
8. St. Joseph, Mo.                              $48,545
9. Houma, La.                                    $48,600
10. Baton Rouge, La.                         $49,206

National median price:                $74,208

Source: Genworth Financial, 2009.

Note: This analysis does not reflect the availability or quality of care in the region.

Cities With the Lowest Annual Costs for a Semi-Private Room in a Nursing Home

                  City                                   Median annual cost

1. Abilene, Texas                         $39,194

2. Longview, Texas                     $40,150

3. Wichita Falls, Texas               $40,150

 4. Laredo, Texas                        $40,971

5. Sherman, Texas                      $41,428

6. Beaumont, Texas                    $41,975

6. Texarkana, Ark. and Texas    $41,975

8. Amarillo, Texas                      $42,249

9. St. Joseph, Mo.                       $43,070

10. Tyler, Texas                          $43,218

National median price:             $66,850

Source: Genworth Financial, 2009.

Note: This analysis does not reflect the availability or quality of care in the region.

Nursing homes in Puerto Rico also have prices well below the national average. The median annual rate is $16,425 for a private room and $13,688 for a semi-private one. You can delve into the cost of care statistics for your region here.