If you are searching for the cost of an old age home in India, you have probably seen numbers all over the place. That is because there is no single price. What you pay depends on the care your parent needs, the city, the room type, and the facility's medical setup.
This guide gives you real 2026 figures, a clear breakdown by care type and city, the deposits and hidden fees to watch for, and practical ways to save money without cutting corners on care.
Quick answer: old age home cost in India
In 2026, an old age home in India typically costs between ₹10,000 and ₹2,00,000 per month, depending on the level of care.
- Charitable / free homes: ₹0 – ₹10,000 per month (for eligible, low-income seniors)
- Basic paid old age home: ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 per month
- Assisted living: ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 per month
- Memory care / high-dependency care: ₹75,000 – ₹1,50,000+ per month
- Luxury senior living: ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000+ per month
Most facilities also charge a one-time admission fee (₹10,000 – ₹50,000) and a refundable security deposit, which can range from ₹10,000 in basic homes to several lakhs in premium communities.
Cost of an old age home by care type
The level of care is the single biggest factor in what you pay. A healthy, active senior needs far less support than someone with dementia or someone who is bedridden.
Care type | Who it suits | Monthly cost (2026) |
Independent living | Active seniors who need community, meals, safety | ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 |
Assisted living | Seniors needing help with bathing, dressing, medication, mobility | ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 |
Memory care | Residents with dementia or Alzheimer's | ₹75,000 – ₹1,50,000+ |
Luxury / premium care | Private rooms, resort-style amenities, high staff ratios | ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000+ |
Assisted living costs more than independent living because staff help with daily tasks and monitor health. If you want to understand what that daily support actually covers, read our guide to assisted living.
Memory care is the most expensive tier. It needs specially trained caregivers, a secure layout, and much higher staff attention, which is why fees jump. See how memory care differs from regular assisted living before you compare quotes.
Cost of an old age home by city
Where the home is located moves the price a lot. Metros like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru cost more because of higher property and staff costs. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are noticeably cheaper for the same quality of care.
The figures below are indicative 2026 market estimates. Always confirm the exact rate with each facility.
City | Typical monthly range (2026) |
Chennai | ₹10,000 – ₹90,000 |
Bengaluru | ₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000+ |
Delhi NCR / Gurgaon | ₹20,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Mumbai / Navi Mumbai | ₹25,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
Hyderabad | ₹15,000 – ₹90,000 |
Kolkata | ₹15,000 – ₹80,000 |
Tier-2 / Tier-3 cities | ₹8,000 – ₹40,000 |
Bengaluru is India's most active senior living market, holding around 19.2% of the market in 2025 according to Mordor Intelligence, which is why it has both budget and premium options in every part of the city. In Chennai, basic charitable homes can start as low as ₹3,000 per month, while premium assisted living communities run ₹45,000 to ₹90,000 depending on room type and medical support.
Free vs paid vs mixed old age homes
Not every old age home charges the same way. There are three broad types.
- Free (charitable) homes — Run by trusts, NGOs, or donation-funded groups. They charge nothing or a nominal fee (up to about ₹10,000) and mainly serve destitute or low-income (BPL) seniors. Care is basic.
- Paid homes — Residents pay monthly fees. These offer better medical care, staffing, safety features, and lifestyle amenities.
- Mixed homes — Some residents pay full fees while others are subsidised. Common in trust-run facilities that balance service and sustainability.
Government-supported old age homes are free for those who qualify on income grounds, but seats are limited and waiting lists are common.
Deposits and one-time charges you should expect
The monthly fee is only part of the picture. Most paid homes ask for money upfront. Understand these before you sign.
Charge | Typical amount (2026) | Refundable? |
Admission / registration fee | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 | Usually non-refundable |
Security / caution deposit | ₹10,000 – ₹4,00,000 | Usually refundable |
Lifetime admission deposit (premium) | ₹10 lakh – ₹50 lakh | Often partly refundable (around 60%) |
Some premium communities offer two payment routes: a large one-time lifetime deposit with lower monthly charges, or a monthly-plan deposit that is often 100% refundable. Always get the refund policy in writing. A verbal promise at admission is not enforceable.
Hidden and extra charges to watch for
Many homes advertise a low "headline" rate that leaves out services families use often. These add up fast.
Common extra charges include:
- Specialist doctor visits and prescribed medicines
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions
- A dedicated personal attendant (₹6,000 per month for daytime; up to ₹15,000 for 24-hour care)
- Hospital transport and emergency support
- AC room charges (often ₹500+ per month extra) and laundry
- Salon, grooming, and special diet charges
Also check the fee escalation clause. Reputable homes state an annual increase, usually 5–8%, in the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Anything above 8% without a clear reason is worth questioning. For a deeper checklist, see our guide to budgeting for senior living costs and hidden fees.
Always ask for a complete itemised quote based on your parent's actual needs, not the base brochure price.
6 factors that decide the cost
- Level of care needed — Independent, assisted, or memory care. This drives price more than anything else.
- City and locality — Metros cost more than Tier-2/3 cities; premium localities cost more within the same city.
- Room type — Shared rooms are cheaper; private, deluxe, or AC rooms cost more.
- Medical infrastructure — 24/7 nursing, on-call doctors, and emergency systems raise the price.
- Staff-to-resident ratio — Around 1:10 for active seniors, but 1:3 or 1:1 for dementia or bedridden care. Higher attention means higher fees.
- Amenities and lifestyle — Physiotherapy, activities, wellness programmes, and resort-style facilities add to the cost.
How to get the best value (without cutting care)
- Match the tier to real needs. Do not pay for memory care if your parent only needs companionship and light help.
- Consider Tier-2 cities. Places near your hometown often offer the same quality for less.
- Ask for an itemised cost sheet. Compare like-for-like, including extras.
- Read the deposit and escalation terms before paying anything.
- Visit more than once and watch how staff treat current residents.
Old age home vs home care: which costs less?
If your parent is mostly mobile and mentally alert, home care can be an alternative. A part-time or full-time attendant at home costs roughly ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 per month for basic support, though it rises to ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 in metros and much more for round-the-clock, multi-shift care.
Home care feels cheaper at first, but as needs grow, a residential old age home with shared medical staff and 24/7 support often becomes better value and safer. The right choice depends on your parent's health, your budget, and how much daily supervision they need.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an old age home cost per month in India?
In 2026, most old age homes in India cost between ₹10,000 and ₹2,00,000 per month. Basic paid homes run ₹12,000–₹25,000, assisted living ₹30,000–₹70,000, and memory or luxury care ₹75,000–₹2,00,000+ per month, depending on care level, city, and room type.
Are there free old age homes in India?
Yes. Charitable trusts, NGOs, and government-supported homes offer free or nominal-fee care for eligible low-income and destitute seniors. These provide basic shelter, meals, and care, but seats are limited and waiting lists are common.
Do old age homes charge a deposit?
Most paid homes charge a one-time admission fee of ₹10,000–₹50,000 (usually non-refundable) and a refundable security deposit that ranges from ₹10,000 in basic homes to several lakhs in premium communities. Premium homes may also offer a lifetime deposit of ₹10–50 lakh, often about 60% refundable. Always get refund terms in writing.
Why is memory care more expensive than assisted living?
Memory care for dementia and Alzheimer's needs specially trained staff, a secure layout, and a much higher staff-to-resident ratio (often 1:3 or 1:1). This intensive, round-the-clock supervision is what pushes memory care fees well above standard assisted living.
Which city is cheapest for old age homes in India?
Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are generally the most affordable, often ₹8,000–₹40,000 per month for comparable care. Among metros, cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata tend to be more affordable than Delhi NCR or Mumbai.
What hidden costs should I check before choosing an old age home?
Ask about doctor visits, medicines, physiotherapy, personal attendant charges, AC and laundry fees, special diets, hospital transport, and the annual fee escalation (usually 5–8%). Request a full itemised quote rather than relying on the advertised base rate.
Comparing old age homes for your parents? Elkin helps families across India discover and compare verified senior living communities by care type, city, and budget — so you know exactly what you are paying for.
