Home care in the UK typically costs between £20 and £28 an hour, or from around £1,100 a week for live-in care (estimated, 2026). What you pay depends on where you live, how many hours you need and how complex the support is.
In this guide you’ll find typical hourly and live-in rates, the main things that push the price up or down, and who might help with the cost. Care funding is complex and this guide is general information only, so it’s a good idea to seek independent advice - for example from your local council or MoneyHelper - before making decisions.
The quick answer: what home care costs in 2026
Most people pay in the region of £20 to £28 an hour for visiting care and from around £1,100 a week for live-in care (estimated). These are typical ranges rather than fixed prices, and quotes vary by region, provider and the level of support needed.
As a real, dated reference point: as of the Care Quality Commission’s register published 4 August 2026, there were 1,608 active home care locations across the North West of England, of which 50 (around 3%) held the highest “Outstanding” rating - a useful sense-check when a quote sounds unusually high or low for the level of care on offer.
How much does hourly (visiting) home care cost?
Hourly home care typically costs £20 to £28 an hour (estimated, 2026). Visiting care means a carer comes to the home for scheduled calls, which can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as several hours.
Shorter visits sometimes carry a slightly higher effective rate once you divide the call-out cost across the time, and evenings, weekends and bank holidays are often charged at a premium by agencies. Two carers, where needed for safe moving and handling, will usually cost more than one.
How much does live-in care cost?
Live-in care typically starts from around £1,100 a week (estimated), and more for complex needs. A live-in carer stays in the home and provides support through the day and night, which for couples can work out more cost-effective than two separate care packages.
Live-in care is often compared with a care home place. If you’re weighing up the two, it’s worth requesting written quotes for both before deciding, since costs vary a great deal by region and need.
Home care costs at a glance
The table below shows broad, typical UK ranges for budgeting. Treat every figure as an estimate, not a quote - always ask a provider for a written quote for your situation.
| Type of care | Typical cost | Usually suits |
|---|---|---|
| Visiting care (per hour) | £20–£28 | A few calls a day; help with specific tasks |
| Live-in care (per week) | from £1,100 | Round-the-clock support at home |
Overnight and waking-night rates typically sit above the daytime hourly rate; ask any provider you’re considering for their specific overnight pricing, as this varies more between agencies than daytime rates do.
What affects the price of home care?
The biggest drivers are your location, the number of hours and the complexity of care. A handful of factors explain most of the difference between one quote and another.
- Where you live - rates in London and the South East tend to sit above the national average.
- Hours and timing - evenings, weekends and bank holidays are often charged at a premium.
- Level of need - specialist dementia or nursing-led support usually costs more.
- One carer or two - some tasks need two carers for safety, which raises the cost.
Who helps pay for home care?
Depending on your finances and needs, your local council, the NHS or certain benefits may contribute. Support is means-tested, so it’s worth understanding the thresholds before paying privately.
Local authority funding
If your savings fall below the upper capital limit set by your council, it may contribute towards care following a needs assessment. You can request a free care needs assessment from your local authority at any time, whatever your means.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Where someone’s needs are primarily health-related, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover the full cost of care. Eligibility is assessed against national criteria rather than a person’s income - ask your GP or local NHS team about a checklist assessment.
Benefits that can help
Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment are not means-tested and can help towards care costs regardless of savings. It’s worth checking your eligibility even if you’re paying privately for care.
Common questions about home care costs
Is home care cheaper than a care home?
Do I pay for the carer’s travel time?
Can I get help paying for home care?
Sources
- Care Quality Commission - Care directory with filters (HSCA Active Locations), published 4 August 2026 (our own analysis of the North West home care register).
- NHS - guidance on paying for your own care (self-funding) and NHS Continuing Healthcare.
- MoneyHelper - guidance on home care and live-in care costs.
- Age UK - information on arranging and paying for care at home.
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