Aged care in New South Wales
This page is for NSW families comparing room prices and regions: metropolitan Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter, Wollongong and the Illawarra, and rural NSW. The state has Australia's largest aged care sector by places, from high-demand inner-Sydney homes to rural communities where costs are substantially lower.
Sydney property values show up in some of Australia's highest RAD asking prices. The government daily fee and means-test rules are national: the same in NSW as everywhere else. For that national explanation, use what you pay in aged care.
National fees vs NSW RAD
Your parent or partner still faces the same three fee types in NSW: the basic daily fee, the means-tested care fee, and accommodation (RAD or DAP). Government rates for the first two are identical in every state. What this page covers is NSW's room-price market.
For rates, caps, and worked examples of the national fees, read what you pay in aged care. For how the means test itself is calculated, see the means-tested care fee guide. The quick reference below is only so you can see how the national numbers sit beside a NSW RAD.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays it? |
|---|---|---|
| Basic daily fee | $66.80/day ($24,398.70/yr) | Everyone |
| Means-tested care fee (MTCF) | $0–$35,910.43/yr (annual cap) | Those with income/assets above thresholds |
| Accommodation (RAD or DAP) | Facility-set; lump sum, daily fee, or combination | Those assessed as not low-means |
Accommodation costs (RAD/DAP) in NSW
Accommodation can be paid as a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)— a lump sum refunded when you leave — or as a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) calculated at the current MPIR of 8.43% per year.
NSW RAD price ranges (2026)
| Location | Typical RAD range | Equivalent DAP (daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Sydney | $350,000–$900,000 | $81–$208/day |
| Regional cities (Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast) | $200,000–$480,000 | $46–$111/day |
| Rural NSW (Western NSW, Far North Coast) | $100,000–$320,000 | $23–$74/day |
Regional breakdown
Metropolitan Sydney
Sydney has intense demand and some of Australia's highest RADs. The eastern suburbs, north shore, lower north shore, and inner west typically see RADs of $600,000–$900,000+. Parramatta, Liverpool, and the outer western suburbs are more affordable at $350,000–$550,000.
Newcastle and Hunter Valley
Newcastle is NSW's second-largest city and has a strong network of facilities from the beachside suburbs through to Hunter Valley towns. RADs generally sit in the $220,000–$420,000 range.
Wollongong and Illawarra
The Illawarra region offers an accessible alternative to Sydney facilities, with RADs typically $200,000–$400,000. Proximity to Sydney means some families find this a practical choice.
Rural and remote NSW
Western NSW, the Far North Coast, and other rural areas have significantly lower RADs ($100,000–$250,000) and some small community-owned facilities operating as low-means providers. Government hardship provisions apply where residents genuinely cannot afford assessed fees.
Finding a provider in NSW
NSW's sector includes major not-for-profit and faith-based operators such as BaptistCare, Catholic Healthcare, Anglicare, and Calvary, alongside large for-profit groups.
- Search myagedcare.gov.au for facilities by suburb, region, or care type. All approved NSW providers are listed with their published RAD prices.
- Check the facility's star rating and any published compliance history on the My Aged Care profile page.
- Request a fee estimate letter from any facility you're considering. This sets out the basic daily fee, accommodation price, and an estimate of your means-tested care fee.
Tips for NSW families
- Sydney property significantly affects means-tested fees. A Sydney home included in the assets test can push the MTCF close to the annual cap. Read our family home guide before deciding whether to sell, rent, or retain the property.
- Start the ACAT process early. Assessment wait times in metropolitan Sydney can be weeks. Register with My Aged Care before an urgent need arises.
- Don't limit your search to one postcode. A facility in Newcastle or the Central Coast may be comparable in quality to a Sydney facility at half the RAD.
- Get independent financial advice. NSW families dealing with high-value Sydney properties and large super balances benefit most from professional aged care financial planning.