How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?
The national median cost for assisted living is $4,500/month ($54,000/year). Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who need help with daily activities — such as bathing, dressing, and medication management — but do not require around-the-clock skilled nursing care.
What Does Assisted Living Include?
- Private or semi-private apartment or room
- Meals (typically three per day plus snacks)
- Help with activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting
- Medication management and reminders
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Transportation to appointments and activities
- Social activities and programming
- 24-hour staff availability (not necessarily nursing)
- Emergency call systems
Assisted Living Cost by State
Select a state for detailed metro-level breakdowns and additional care type comparisons.
| State | Median Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $3,750/mo |
| Alaska | $6,000/mo |
| Arizona | $3,975/mo |
| Arkansas | $3,600/mo |
| California | $5,500/mo |
| Colorado | $4,750/mo |
| Connecticut | $6,000/mo |
| Delaware | $6,000/mo |
| Florida | $4,000/mo |
| Georgia | $3,500/mo |
| Hawaii | $5,000/mo |
| Idaho | $3,750/mo |
| Illinois | $5,000/mo |
| Indiana | $4,250/mo |
| Iowa | $4,000/mo |
| Kansas | $4,500/mo |
| Kentucky | $3,750/mo |
| Louisiana | $3,500/mo |
| Maine | $5,500/mo |
| Maryland | $5,500/mo |
| Massachusetts | $6,500/mo |
| Michigan | $3,750/mo |
| Minnesota | $5,000/mo |
| Mississippi | $3,000/mo |
| Missouri | $3,750/mo |
| Montana | $4,500/mo |
| Nebraska | $4,000/mo |
| Nevada | $4,000/mo |
| New Hampshire | $5,500/mo |
| New Jersey | $6,500/mo |
| New Mexico | $3,750/mo |
| New York | $5,000/mo |
| North Carolina | $4,000/mo |
| North Dakota | $4,500/mo |
| Ohio | $4,250/mo |
| Oklahoma | $3,500/mo |
| Oregon | $5,500/mo |
| Pennsylvania | $4,500/mo |
| Rhode Island | $5,500/mo |
| South Carolina | $3,750/mo |
| South Dakota | $4,000/mo |
| Tennessee | $4,000/mo |
| Texas | $4,000/mo |
| Utah | $4,500/mo |
| Vermont | $5,500/mo |
| Virginia | $4,500/mo |
| Washington | $6,000/mo |
| West Virginia | $3,500/mo |
| Wisconsin | $5,000/mo |
| Wyoming | $4,500/mo |
About the Data: All figures are median monthly costs sourced from the CareScout (formerly Genworth) 2025 Cost of Care Survey, the most widely cited source for senior care pricing in the U.S.
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What Drives the Cost of Assisted Living?
- Geographic location: Coastal states and major metro areas consistently run higher. Alaska, California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey are among the most expensive; Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama among the most affordable.
- Apartment size: A studio is substantially cheaper than a one-bedroom unit. Some communities offer shared rooms at lower rates.
- Level of care needed: Most communities charge a base rate plus additional fees for higher levels of personal care assistance.
- Amenities: Communities with resort-style dining, fitness centers, pools, and extensive programming charge premium rates.
- Staff-to-resident ratio: Higher staffing levels mean better care — and higher cost.
How to Pay for Assisted Living
- Private pay: Most families pay out-of-pocket, at least initially.
- Long-term care insurance: Policies typically cover assisted living if the policyholder cannot perform two or more ADLs.
- Veterans benefits: The VA Aid & Attendance benefit can provide $1,000–$2,300/month for eligible veterans and surviving spouses.
- Life insurance conversions: Some policies can be converted to pay for long-term care.
- Medicaid waivers: Many states operate HCBS Medicaid waivers that cover assisted living for low-income seniors.
Cost Guides
About the Data: All figures are median monthly costs sourced from the CareScout (formerly Genworth) 2025 Cost of Care Survey, the most widely cited source for senior care pricing in the U.S.