How much are care home costs per week in 2025?

As we move through 2025, families across the UK are facing a crucial question: how much does care actually cost? Whether you're planning ahead for a loved one or urgently searching for the right care home, understanding regional price variations is essential.

Care home costs per week can vary dramatically depending on location, making it more important than ever to be informed.

At Autumna, we’ve analysed our latest data to bring you a clear and transparent breakdown of care home costs in England, Scotland, and Wales. The findings reveal a stark contrast in affordability across regions, with care home costs in Scotland being significantly higher than the cost of care homes in Wales, which are among the lowest.

While the reality of long-term care is becoming increasingly expensive, one thing remains clear: where you live significantly impacts how much you’ll pay for care. Regardless of your preferred location, staying informed about care home costs per week can help you plan effectively and make the best possible decision for your loved one.

In this blog, we explore the costs of care homes in the UK.

Care home costs in England – Weekly fees in 2025

For families seeking care in England, the cost is often one of the biggest concerns. Our data shows that there is significant price variation in terms of care home costs per week in England which highlights just how much location influences affordability.

The most expensive regions

If you’re searching for care in London, be prepared for the highest fees in the country—£1,201 per week on average. This is a substantial cost for families already managing the financial strain of long-term care. It is also important to note that some care homes are charging as much as £3,000 per week, which can be a substantial cost burden on care seekers.

London’s high prices are driven by a combination of factors, including higher property costs, increased demand, and the need to offer competitive wages to attract and retain care staff in one of the UK’s most expensive cities. The South East follows closely at £1,130, while Eastern England averages £1,028 per week, making these areas some of the most expensive places for care.

The rising costs in these regions reflect increasing demand, higher staffing wages, and the premium placed on high-quality facilities. In London, the cost of living and property values push prices even higher, making care home fees among the steepest in the country. For those looking at premium care homes, these areas continue to offer excellent services—but at a steep price.

More affordable alternatives

For families seeking more cost-effective care without sacrificing quality, several regions in England remain relatively affordable. The North East (£797 per week), Yorkshire (£858 per week), and the East Midlands (£892 weekly care home cost) offer some of the lowest fees in the country. These areas provide valuable options for those balancing financial constraints with the need for reliable, high-quality care.

Care home costs in Scotland

Scotland’s care home fees in 2025 reveal significant regional variations, reflecting differences in demand, local economies, and the availability of care services. At the top of the scale, Lothian stands out as the most expensive region, with an average weekly fee of £1,308—even surpassing London’s average. Meanwhile, more affordable care can be found in areas like the Highlands (£868 per week), Glasgow (£830 per week), and Central Scotland (£900 weekly cost).

Why is Lothian the most expensive?

Lothian’s soaring care home costs are likely driven by several key factors. As home to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, property prices and general living costs are significantly higher, pushing up the operational expenses for care providers. The region also attracts a high number of retirees, increasing demand for care and reducing the availability of places. Additionally, staffing shortages and rising wages in the care sector may be contributing to the sharp price increases.

Affordable options still exist

For families seeking more budget-friendly care in Scotland, there are still options. The Highlands, Glasgow, and Central Scotland all offer lower-than-average fees, potentially due to lower living costs, greater availability of care home spaces, or regional funding differences. These areas may present more accessible choices for families looking to balance affordability with quality care.

For families searching for care, Wales continues to be the most affordable region in the UK. While care home costs have risen across the UK, the cost of care homes in Wales remains significantly lower than in England and Scotland, offering a lifeline for those balancing quality care with financial constraints.

At the very lowest end of the scale, southwest Wales stands out with an average weekly fee of just £714—the cheapest in the entire UK. North Wales (£735) and mid & west Wales (£777) also remain among the most affordable regions, making Wales a particularly attractive option for those seeking cost-effective care without compromising on quality.

However, not all parts of Wales are equally inexpensive. Some areas, particularly those with higher populations or better transport links to major cities, may experience slightly higher fees. Coastal and retirement-friendly regions could also see increased demand, pushing costs up over time.

For now, Wales remains a cost-effective yet high-quality option for care seekers. Whether looking for a care home in north Wales, mid Wales, or the more affordable southwest, understanding regional price differences can help families plan ahead with confidence.

Care home costs per week: Regional breakdown

Understanding care home costs per week is essential when planning for the future. Below is a regional breakdown of the latest average weekly fees across the UK, highlighting where care is most and least expensive. Whether you're looking for affordability or exploring premium care options, these figures provide a valuable benchmark for decision-making in 2025.

England

• London: £1,201
• South East: £1,130
• Eastern English Region: £1,028
• West Midlands: £930
• Eastern English: £1028
• Northwest England: £924
• Southwest: £964
• Northeast England: £797
• East Midlands Region: £892
• Yorkshire: £858

Wales

• Southwest Wales West: £714 Lowest in the UK
• Southwest East: £816
• North Wales: £735 (Also among the cheapest)
• Mid and west Wales: £777

Scotland

• Lothian: £1,308 (Most expensive in Scotland)
• Highlands: £868
• Northeast Scotland: £1,025
• Glasgow: £830
• Central Scotland: £900
• South Scotland: £948
• West Scotland: £991
• Mid Scotland and Fife: £986

How to find a reasonably priced care home

Autumna makes it easier to find care homes at a price that suits your budget. Our platform allows you to search by care home costs per week and choose a price that works for you.

Start by heading over to the search bar on our website and select ‘care homes.’

It will then bring up a list of care homes in the area. Select the price tab to view the care home costs per week option that aligns with your budget.

Our platform also allows you to sort the search results according to the weekly fees they charge. Click ‘Sort results by’ on the bottom right-hand corner of the page and select Weekly Fees from the drop-down menu.

Looking ahead: What families should expect

The cost of care is shifting, and families must stay prepared for potential fluctuations. Here’s how you can stay ahead:

Plan early, secure your future

With fees trending upwards in many areas, proactive financial planning is more important than ever. Exploring insurance policies, savings plans and expert financial advice can help protect against unexpected cost increases. The sooner you start planning, the more options you'll have.

Location matters—know your options

Care home prices vary widely depending on the region. Wales remains one of the more affordable areas, while Lothian in Scotland sees some of the highest fees. Researching different regions can help families find quality care within their budget.

Stay ahead of policy changes

Government policies and funding initiatives can directly impact care home costs and available support. Keeping informed about new developments—such as changes to local authority funding, social care funding, or national care policies—can help families make better financial and care decisions.

Bottom line? The landscape of care home pricing is evolving. By planning ahead, researching wisely, and staying informed, families can make confident, financially sound decisions about their loved ones’ care.

Need more help in finding a care home?

Our shortlisting tool takes personalisation a step further, helping you find a care home that perfectly matches your needs and budget. Simply answer a few questions to receive a tailored list of care home options based on your responses. You can also give our friendly and knowledgeable team a call on 01892 335 330.