National Average Cost of Senior Living
Senior living costs vary widely depending on the type of care. Assisted living sits in the middle of the spectrum, offering a balance of independence and support at a lower price point than nursing homes or in-home care.
The table below compares national median monthly costs for the most common types of senior care (Genworth/CareScout 2024 data).
| Care Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | $3,500 | $42,000 |
| Assisted Living | $5,900 | $70,800 |
| Memory Care | $6,160 | $73,920 |
| Home Health Aide | $6,483 | $77,796 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $9,277 | $111,324 |
| Nursing Home (Private Room) | $10,646 | $127,752 |
Source: Genworth/CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey. Assisted living row highlighted for reference.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost by State?
Assisted living costs differ dramatically from state to state. Southern and Midwestern states tend to be the most affordable, while New England, the West Coast, and Alaska command the highest prices.
The table below lists the median monthly assisted living cost in each state. Select a state to view detailed community listings, city-level pricing, and Medicaid waiver information.
| State | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | vs. National Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,572 | $54,864 | -23% |
| Alaska | $10,198 | $122,376 | +73% |
| Arizona | $6,370 | $76,440 | +8% |
| Arkansas | $4,724 | $56,688 | -20% |
| California | $7,350 | $88,200 | +25% |
| Colorado | $5,877 | $70,524 | Average |
| Connecticut | $15,056 | $180,672 | +155% |
| Delaware | $6,525 | $78,300 | +11% |
| Florida | $4,805 | $57,660 | -19% |
| Georgia | $4,152 | $49,824 | -30% |
| Hawaii | $5,495 | $65,940 | -7% |
| Idaho | $4,559 | $54,708 | -23% |
| Illinois | $5,150 | $61,800 | -13% |
| Indiana | $4,348 | $52,176 | -26% |
| Iowa | $4,968 | $59,616 | -16% |
| Kansas | $5,205 | $62,460 | -12% |
| Kentucky | $4,168 | $50,016 | -29% |
| Louisiana | $3,811 | $45,732 | -35% |
| Maine | $5,915 | $70,980 | Average |
| Maryland | $6,078 | $72,936 | +3% |
| Massachusetts | $6,669 | $80,028 | +13% |
| Michigan | $5,190 | $62,280 | -12% |
| Minnesota | $5,040 | $60,480 | -15% |
| Mississippi | $3,757 | $45,084 | -36% |
| Missouri | $4,700 | $56,400 | -20% |
| Montana | $4,840 | $58,080 | -18% |
| Nebraska | $5,042 | $60,504 | -15% |
| Nevada | $5,578 | $66,936 | -5% |
| New Hampshire | $6,879 | $82,548 | +17% |
| New Jersey | $7,000 | $84,000 | +19% |
| New Mexico | $4,395 | $52,740 | -26% |
| New York | $6,150 | $73,800 | +4% |
| North Carolina | $4,850 | $58,200 | -18% |
| North Dakota | $4,750 | $57,000 | -19% |
| Ohio | $5,250 | $63,000 | -11% |
| Oklahoma | $4,500 | $54,000 | -24% |
| Oregon | $6,000 | $72,000 | +2% |
| Pennsylvania | $5,400 | $64,800 | -8% |
| Rhode Island | $6,000 | $72,000 | +2% |
| South Carolina | $4,500 | $54,000 | -24% |
| South Dakota | $4,350 | $52,200 | -26% |
| Tennessee | $4,850 | $58,200 | -18% |
| Texas | $5,250 | $63,000 | -11% |
| Utah | $4,685 | $56,220 | -21% |
| Vermont | $7,872 | $94,464 | +33% |
| Virginia | $5,500 | $66,000 | -7% |
| Washington | $4,176 | $50,112 | -29% |
| West Virginia | $4,846 | $58,152 | -18% |
| Wisconsin | $5,250 | $63,000 | -11% |
| Wyoming | $5,894 | $70,728 | Average |
Key Cost Trends
- Most affordable states: Mississippi ($3,757), Louisiana ($3,811), and Georgia ($4,152) have median costs well below the national average.
- Most expensive states: Connecticut ($15,056), Alaska ($10,198), and Vermont ($7,872) cost significantly more due to higher labor, real estate, and regulatory expenses.
- Largest cost range within a state: States like New York and California show wide city-to-city variation. A community in New York City may cost 35% more than the state median, while upstate communities run 15-20% below it.
- Year-over-year growth: Nationally, assisted living costs rose approximately 10% from 2023 to 2024, driven by labor shortages and inflation.
What's Included in Assisted Living Costs?
Most assisted living communities charge a single monthly rate that bundles housing with a set of core services. Understanding what is and isn't included helps you compare quotes accurately.
Housing & Utilities
A private or shared apartment or suite, including electricity, water, heating, and Wi-Fi. Room size and layout vary by community and pricing tier.
Meals & Dining
Typically three meals a day prepared by on-site staff, plus snacks. Many communities accommodate dietary restrictions and offer restaurant-style dining.
Personal Care Assistance
Help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. The amount of support is tailored to each resident's needs.
Medication Management
Staff-supervised storage, reminders, and administration of prescription medications. Some communities have on-site pharmacies.
Activities & Social Programs
Organized recreational activities, fitness classes, outings, and social events designed to keep residents active and engaged.
Transportation
Scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and community events. Frequency and availability vary by location.
Housekeeping & Laundry
Regular cleaning of living spaces and common areas, plus personal laundry and linen service.
24-Hour Staffing & Security
Around-the-clock staff availability for emergencies, wellness checks, and general assistance. Most communities include emergency call systems.
Some services, such as extra personal care hours, specialized therapies, and beauty salon visits, may incur additional fees. Always request a detailed breakdown before signing a residency agreement.
What Affects the Price of Assisted Living?
No two assisted living communities charge exactly the same rate. Several factors determine where a community falls on the cost spectrum.
Geographic Location
Location is the single largest cost driver. States with higher costs of living, labor, and real estate prices charge more for assisted living. Within a state, urban and coastal areas typically cost more than rural communities.
Level of Care
Many communities use a tiered pricing model based on how much personal care a resident needs. A resident who requires assistance with three or more ADLs will pay more than someone who is mostly independent. Memory care services add an additional 20-30% to the base rate.
Room Type & Size
Studios and shared rooms are the most affordable options. One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments cost more. Private suites or cottages at luxury communities command premium rates.
Amenities & Community Features
Communities with swimming pools, fitness centers, on-site salons, gourmet dining, and concierge services charge higher rates than those offering basic amenities. Newer construction also tends to cost more.
Community Size & Ownership
Large national chains can sometimes offer lower rates through economies of scale, while smaller boutique communities may charge more for a higher staff-to-resident ratio and more personalized care.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
Most families use a combination of funding sources to cover assisted living costs. Here are the most common options.
Private Pay (Personal Savings & Income)
The most common payment method. Families draw on retirement savings, Social Security income, pensions, and investment accounts. Private pay gives you the widest selection of communities, since all facilities accept it.
Medicaid Waiver Programs
Most states offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can cover part or all of assisted living costs for eligible individuals. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and care needs. Wait lists are common, so apply as early as possible. Browse senior living options by state to see each state's specific Medicaid program.
Veterans Benefits (VA Aid & Attendance)
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension benefit, which provides up to $2,431/month for a single veteran or $1,564/month for a surviving spouse (2024 rates). This benefit can be used toward assisted living costs.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If purchased before the need arises, long-term care insurance can cover a significant portion of assisted living costs. Policies typically pay a daily or monthly benefit after a waiting period. Review your policy for benefit triggers, maximum payouts, and covered facilities.
Bridge Loans & Life Insurance Conversions
Short-term bridge loans can help families cover costs while waiting for a home sale or Medicaid approval. Some families also convert life insurance policies into cash through life settlements or accelerated death benefits.
Reverse Mortgage (Home Equity)
Homeowners aged 62 and older may use a reverse mortgage (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) to access home equity for assisted living costs. This is typically used when a spouse remains in the home. Consult a HUD-approved counselor before proceeding.
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?
Generally, no. Medicare does not pay for long-term assisted living stays. Medicare is designed to cover acute medical care, not custodial or residential care services.
However, there are limited situations where Medicare may cover related services. Medicare Part A may cover a short-term stay in a skilled nursing facility (up to 100 days) following a qualifying hospital stay of at least three days. Medicare Part B may cover certain medically necessary services received while in an assisted living community, such as doctor visits, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.
For long-term coverage, Medicaid waiver programs (discussed above) are the primary government-funded option. It is important not to confuse Medicare with Medicaid, as they are separate programs with different eligibility rules and coverage areas.
How YourPath Provides Financial Clarity
Understanding the full cost picture is one of the most important steps in the senior living journey. YourPath's free matching service pairs you with communities that fit your care needs and your budget.
Complete our brief survey and receive a personalized plan that includes community recommendations with transparent pricing, a financial overview of your options, and a 90-day action plan to guide next steps.
Get Your Free Personalized PlanFrequently Asked Questions About Assisted Living Costs
How much does assisted living cost per month?
The national median cost of assisted living is $5,900 per month, or about $70,800 per year, based on Genworth/CareScout 2024 data. Costs vary significantly by state, ranging from roughly $3,750 per month in Mississippi to over $15,000 per month in Connecticut.
Is assisted living cheaper than a nursing home?
Yes. Assisted living is typically much less expensive than a nursing home. The national median for assisted living is $5,900 per month, compared to $9,277 per month for a semi-private nursing home room and $10,646 for a private room. Assisted living is designed for people who need help with daily activities but do not require around-the-clock medical supervision.
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Medicaid does not cover assisted living universally, but most states offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs that can help pay for assisted living. Eligibility, covered services, and wait-list availability vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid office or use YourPath's free matching service to learn about programs in your area.
What is the cheapest state for assisted living?
Mississippi and Louisiana are among the most affordable states for assisted living, with median monthly costs around $3,750 to $3,810. Other affordable states include Georgia, Kentucky, and Alabama, all with median costs below $4,600 per month.
What is the most expensive state for assisted living?
Connecticut is the most expensive state for assisted living, with a median monthly cost exceeding $15,000. Alaska, Vermont, California, and New Jersey also rank among the most expensive states, each with median costs above $7,000 per month.
Are assisted living costs tax deductible?
Assisted living costs may be partially tax deductible as medical expenses if a licensed healthcare professional certifies that the resident requires assistance with daily living activities or supervision due to a cognitive impairment. Only the portion of costs related to medical care qualifies, and total medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income to be deductible.
Do assisted living costs increase over time?
Yes. Assisted living costs have risen steadily, averaging 3-5% annual increases in recent years. Costs jumped approximately 10% between 2023 and 2024. Individual community rates may also increase if a resident's care needs change, particularly if additional memory care or skilled nursing services become necessary.
Cost data sourced from Genworth/CareScout 2024 Cost of Care Survey and A Place for Mom 2024 reports. All figures represent median monthly costs. Individual community prices may vary. Last updated: February 2026.