Abstract: Objective: To investigate the level, distribution and influencing factors of cost of care in dementia patients living in public elderly homes, and provide references for reasonable distribution of social resources and exploring the best care management mode for dementia patients. Methods: Totally 103 dementia patients were recruited from two public elderly homes in Beijing and Guangzhou. The cost was estimated through questionnaires and the influencing factors were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The average cost of dementia patients in public elderly homes was (3974.6±1782.9) RMB per month,nearly 47 695 RMB per year. The direct medical cost and direct non-medical cost accounted for 59.10% and 37.84%, respectively,while the indirect cost accounted for 3.05%. Regression analysis showed that educational level, ability of daily living and severity of dementia were influencing factors of cost. Conclusion: The cost of care in dementia patients living in elderly homes is relatively high,which brings economic burden to the family and society. The cost is higher in patients with higher educational level, poorer ability of daily living and mild dementia patients. It is suggested to make better resources relocation to ensure high-quality care and reduce the cost of dementia patients.