Aged care in South Australia
This page is for South Australian families comparing room prices and regions: metropolitan Adelaide, the Barossa and Fleurieu, the Limestone Coast, and regional towns.
The government daily fee and means-test rules are national: the same in South Australia as everywhere else. For that national explanation, use what you pay in aged care.
National fees vs South Australia RAD
Your parent or partner still faces the same three fee types in South Australia: 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 South Australia'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 South Australian 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 South Australia
Accommodation can be paid as a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)— refunded in full when you leave — or as a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) at the current MPIR of 8.43% per year.
South Australia RAD price ranges (2026)
| Location | Typical RAD range | Equivalent DAP (daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Adelaide | $280,000–$750,000 | $65–$173/day |
| Regional cities (Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Port Augusta) | $200,000–$480,000 | $46–$111/day |
| Rural SA (Spencer Gulf, Eyre Peninsula, outback) | $100,000–$320,000 | $23–$74/day |
Homes on Aged Care Circle
These are example aged care facilities.
Regional breakdown
Metropolitan Adelaide
Adelaide's eastern suburbs and inner-city areas typically have the highest RADs ($400,000–$750,000). The northern and southern suburbs are more affordable ($280,000–$450,000). Adelaide's compact size means most metro residents can reach multiple facilities easily.
Barossa and Clare valleys
The wine regions north of Adelaide have community-owned facilities serving local populations. RADs are generally $180,000–$350,000. These facilities often have strong community connections and consistent staff.
Fleurieu Peninsula
The Fleurieu region (Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale, Goolwa) has an established aged care network serving a significant retiree population. RADs typically range from $200,000 to $400,000.
Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast
South Australia's second-largest regional centre has several facilities with RADs generally $150,000–$320,000. The Limestone Coast region has community-based providers in smaller towns.
Spencer Gulf and outback SA
Whyalla, Port Augusta, and Port Pirie have facilities serving industrial and agricultural communities. Remote outback SA has very limited aged care supply, with some facilities operating as low-means providers.
Finding a provider in South Australia
South Australia's sector is dominated by well-regarded not-for-profit organisations including Resthaven, Helping Hand, Southern Cross Care, and Uniting Care, with several faith-based and community providers in regional areas.
- Search myagedcare.gov.au for SA facilities by suburb or region.
- Review each facility's published RAD, star rating, and compliance history.
- Request a fee estimate letter before committing. SA's not-for-profits generally have a reputation for being willing to discuss fee arrangements openly.
Tips for South Australian families
- Adelaide's moderate property values work in your favour. SA residents with an Adelaide home typically face lower means-tested fees than equivalent families in Sydney or Melbourne, as the asset value is lower.
- Not-for-profit providers are strong in SA. SA has a high proportion of not-for-profit aged care providers, which many families find preferable in terms of culture and care approach.
- Check the lifetime fee cap. The MTCF lifetime cap of $86,185.23 means that once your total means-tested fees reach this amount, you pay no further means-tested fees — for life. Read our MTCF guide for full details.
- Regional SA facilities can be excellent. Some of SA's highest-rated facilities are in regional areas, with strong community ties and consistent staffing. Read our family home guide before making decisions about the family property.