Care homes in Cambridge
Cambridge is a university city with a slightly above-average share of older residents (19%, compared to the national 18.6%), a strong cultural and social scene, and nine care homes ranging from 52 to 93 beds. It suits those wanting intellectual life, easy access to green space, and reasonable choice in later-life housing — but comes with higher recorded crime and likely above-average care fees for the South East.
Average residential fee in Cambridge: £1,543/week — above the UK average of £1,279
What do these badges mean?
- Green Surroundings — Excellent access to parks, playing fields and other green space nearby (OpenStreetMap).
- Well Served — Excellent everyday amenities nearby — shops, supermarkets, cafés and places to eat (OpenStreetMap).
Limited — safer than 14% of similar areas
Excellent — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Excellent — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
The estimated average residential care fee in Cambridge is about £1,543/week, above the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
100% of Cambridge’s CQC-rated care homes are rated Good or Outstanding — above the national average of 79%.
Of the homes in and around Cambridge, 5 offer nursing care, 6 offer dementia care and 5 offer residential care.
Based on 11 CQC-rated homes in and around Cambridge. National baseline: CQC State of Care (2024/25).
The average residential care home in Cambridge costs about £1,543/week, while Cambridgeshire’s published usual rate is around £918/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £625/week (≈ £32,500/year) to bridge the gap.
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Cambridgeshire’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
- Good
- Not rated
updated September 2026
No care homes found in Cambridge.
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The average house price in Cambridge is £471,098, based on HM Land Registry data. The graph shows sold-price trends by property type over the last 30 years.
Average price by property type
- All property types
- £471,098
- Detached
- £975,729
- Semi-detached
- £596,465
- Terraced
- £488,362
- Flats & maisonettes
- £297,158
Source: HM Land Registry UK House Price Index, to Jun 2026 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Figures are area averages for the wider local authority, not retirement properties specifically.
Residential care homes
5 in CambridgeResidential care homes provide help with everyday living in a safe, sociable setting — the right choice when someone needs support day to day but not round-the-clock nursing.
Nursing homes
5 in CambridgeNursing homes provide everything a residential home does, plus registered nurses on site 24 hours a day — for people with ongoing or complex health needs.
Dementia care homes
6 in CambridgeSpecialist dementia care homes provide trained staff and a carefully designed, calm environment for people living with dementia — supporting safety, routine and wellbeing.
Respite care
5 in CambridgeRespite care is a short stay in a care home — to give a family carer a break, or to help someone recover after a hospital stay.
582 crimes reported in April 2026, sourced from Police.uk.
- Violent crime139
- Shoplifting134
- Anti-social behaviour85
- Other theft39
Is Cambridge a good retirement location?
Cambridge is an established retirement destination with good day-to-day amenities, vibrant community life, and solid care-home provision. It suits people who value cultural engagement, good public transport links to London and beyond, and don't mind paying a premium for location and choice. The area attracts both independent retirees and those needing residential care, though costs will be higher than many regions.
Health & support
- Medical access: GP surgeries and pharmacies are well distributed across the city; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive emergency and acute care on the Addenbrooke's Campus, a short distance from most neighbourhoods.
- Safety: Recorded crime is relatively high at 582 offences in April 2026, with violent crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour the most common types — worth weighing against your own comfort with urban living.
- Family & connection: Consider where your family or close friends live; Cambridge is a major transport hub with rail and coach links to London and across the region, but proximity matters for regular visits.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care-home fees for the Cambridge area typically sit above the English national average; expect to pay a premium reflecting South East costs and local demand.
- Transport: Excellent bus network, frequent rail services to London Liverpool Street and beyond, and reasonable walkability in the city centre, though some residential areas are car-dependent.
- Housing options: Nine care homes are listed locally, all rated as either Good or not yet inspected by the CQC, offering a range of sizes from roughly 52 to 93 beds.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Thirty-seven parks, 13 allotments, and numerous riverside walks and green areas nearby offer outdoor pursuits; a strong cultural calendar includes theatres, museums, galleries, and university events.
- Community: Two hundred fifty-three restaurants and cafes, 72 pubs and bars, and a reputation for active community groups and lifelong-learning networks make social connection straightforward.
- Climate: East Anglia has mild winters and cool summers by UK standards, though it can be windy; you'll experience fairly dry conditions compared to much of England.
Things to weigh up
- Crime levels: At 582 recorded offences, Cambridge sits above rural and smaller-town averages; if you are sensitive to urban crime or have experienced it, factor in how the city's density and student population might affect your sense of safety.
- Cost premium: Above-average care fees reflect demand and South East location; check individual home fees carefully against your budget and any local care funding.
- Student population: Cambridge's large university presence brings vibrancy and services, but also transience and occasional rowdiness, particularly in term-time.
How many care homes are there in Cambridge?
There are 13 care homes listed in and around Cambridge on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Cambridge cost?
Care homes in Cambridge range from around £1,500 to around £1,575 per week, with averages of £1,543 for residential, £1,543 for dementia, £1,541 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Cambridge compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Cambridge is about £1,543 per week — above the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Cambridge are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
11 of the 13 care homes in and around Cambridge are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Cambridge?
Homes in and around Cambridge offer dementia (6), nursing (5), residential (5), respite (5). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Cambridge offer dementia care?
6 care homes in and around Cambridge offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Cambridge offer respite care?
Yes — 5 care homes in and around Cambridge offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Cambridge area?
Cambridge is graded C for safety on AskBart — safer than 14% of similar areas. This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Cambridge?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Cambridgeshire Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Cambridge?
A care home's weekly fee in Cambridge usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Cambridge may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Cambridge?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Cambridge?
Start by shortlisting homes in Cambridge by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Cambridge?
Care homes in Cambridge are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Cambridgeshire?
If you're widening your search beyond Cambridge, nearby areas with care homes include Chatteris, City of Peterborough, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland and Fulbourn. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Weighing up your options in Cambridge?
Care needs change over time. Compare the other kinds of later-life care in Cambridge:
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