Care home costs in the UK
Care home fees are one of the biggest costs a family can face, so it helps to know what is typical before you start looking. This guide sets out current figures and what drives them.
Care home fees in the UK vary widely by region and type of care. Residential care commonly runs to over 1,000 pounds a week and nursing care higher again, with averages reported around 1,153 pounds a week for residential and 1,420 pounds for nursing (Knight Frank, FY2024/25). Self-funders typically pay more than councils for the same home. Fees are higher in the South of England and lower in parts of the North, and dementia or specialist nursing care costs more.
At a glance
- Residential averageAround 1,153 pounds/wk (Knight Frank, FY2024/25)
- Nursing averageAround 1,420 pounds/wk (Knight Frank, FY2024/25)
- Self-funder nursingAround 1,696 pounds/wk (Carterwood, Sep 2025)
- Self-funder residentialAround 1,302 pounds/wk (Carterwood, Sep 2025)
- Highest feesSouth of England
- Lowest feesParts of the North and devolved nations
How much does a care home cost per week?
There is no single national price, but the figures published by the sector give a clear picture. Knight Frank reported an average residential fee of around 1,153 pounds a week and an average nursing fee of around 1,420 pounds a week for FY2024/25. Self-funders, who pay their own fees, tend to pay more than these averages: Carterwood put self-funder nursing fees at around 1,696 pounds a week and self-funder residential at around 1,302 pounds a week as at September 2025.
This guide is for families paying for care. The cost of buying a care home as a business is a separate topic covered elsewhere on the site.
Residential care versus nursing care
Residential care provides accommodation, meals and help with daily living such as washing, dressing and medication prompts. Nursing care includes all of that plus care from registered nurses, for people with medical needs that need nursing supervision. Because nursing homes employ registered nurses around the clock, they cost more than residential homes.
| Care type | What is included | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Accommodation, meals, personal care | Around 1,153 pounds/wk (Knight Frank, FY2024/25) |
| Nursing | Personal care plus registered nursing | Around 1,420 pounds/wk (Knight Frank, FY2024/25) |
| Dementia or specialist | Higher staffing and specialist support | Usually a premium over the above |
Why fees vary so much by region
Where you live makes a large difference. Fees are highest in the South of England, where property and staffing costs are higher and where many residents are self-funders, and lower in parts of the North and in the devolved nations. The type of home matters too: a modern, purpose-built home with single en-suite rooms usually charges more than an older converted building with shared facilities.
- Region and the local cost of property and staff
- Residential, nursing or specialist dementia care
- Whether you are a self-funder or funded by the council
- The quality, age and facilities of the home
- Whether your needs increase over time
What about dementia care?
Dementia care usually costs more than standard residential or nursing care, because it needs higher staffing levels, specialist training and often a secure, adapted environment. A home offering specialist dementia nursing will normally sit at the higher end of the fee range. If dementia is the reason for the move, it is worth checking whether the person might qualify for NHS funding, because some people with advanced dementia have a primary health need.
In many homes, self-funders are charged more than the council pays for an equivalent resident. This is well documented across the sector. It is one reason it is worth asking the council for an assessment even if you expect to fund care yourself, and worth claiming any benefits you are entitled to.
Care home costs in the UK: common questions
How much does a care home cost in the UK?
Averages reported for FY2024/25 were around 1,153 pounds a week for residential care and around 1,420 pounds a week for nursing care (Knight Frank). Self-funders tend to pay more, around 1,302 pounds for residential and 1,696 pounds for nursing (Carterwood, Sep 2025). Fees vary widely by region.
What is the average care home fee in the UK?
Knight Frank reported an average of around 1,153 pounds a week for residential care and around 1,420 pounds a week for nursing care for FY2024/25. These are averages; the figure for any individual home depends on its region, type and quality.
Why is nursing care more expensive than residential care?
Nursing homes employ registered nurses around the clock to meet medical needs, on top of the personal care a residential home provides. That extra clinical staffing is the main reason nursing fees are higher.
Does dementia care cost more?
Usually yes. Dementia care needs higher staffing, specialist training and often a secure, adapted environment, so it sits at the higher end of the fee range. Some people with advanced dementia may qualify for NHS funding, which is worth checking.
Why do self-funders pay more than the council pays?
In many homes, self-funders are charged more than the rate councils pay for an equivalent resident. It is worth asking the council for a financial assessment even if you expect to self-fund, and claiming any benefits you are entitled to.
Need help with your own situation?
We can introduce you to an FCA-authorised care funding specialist who will look at your circumstances and the options.