How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

Assisted Living Costs by State (2026 Estimates)

Source: SeniorLiving.org calculates average assisted living costs via data from hundreds of assisted living facilities across the country, as well as surveys of seniors and family members paying for assisted living in 2026.

To learn more about assisted living costs, watch our video below with SeniorLiving.org Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt.

Median Assisted Living Cost Breakdown

Key Takeaways:

• The state with the lowest assisted living cost is Mississippi at $4,715 per month.
• The two states with the highest estimated assisted living costs are Hawaii ($12,000 per month) and Alaska ($10,819 per month).
• Seven of the most expensive states for assisted living are located in the northeast, while six of the least expensive states are located in the southeast.
• The national median cost of assisted living is $75,756 per year or $6,313 per month.

10 Most and Least Expensive States for Assisted Living

Assisted living costs are not uniform within states. The neighborhood or district you choose may be more or less expensive than similar facilities nearby. That being said, here are the 10 most expensive states for assisted living, with their median monthly costs:

1. Hawaii: $12,000
2. Alaska: $10,819
3. Massachusetts: $9,610
4. Connecticut: $9,501
5. Delaware: $9,079
6. New Jersey: $9,068
7. Maine: $8,475
8. Vermont: $8,352
9. New Hampshire: $7,884
10. California: $7,798

And here are the 10 least expensive states for assisted living:

1. Mississippi: $4,715
2. Alabama: $4,851
3. Idaho: $4,880
4. Oklahoma: $4,908
5. Utah: $4,971
6. Wyoming: $4,986
7. Arkansas: $5,012
8. South Carolina: $5,081
9. Kentucky: $5,198
10. Georgia: $5,241

As you can see, the cost of assisted living varies a lot by state. Missouri’s median monthly assisted living cost is $5,464, for instance, whereas Massachusetts hovers around the $9,610 mark. That’s a difference of nearly $50,000 per year. Clearly, where you live affects how much you should put in your budget if you’re considering moving into assisted living.

That said, comparing assisted living costs is never black and white. There are other factors at play, from monthly and upfront fees to additional costs required to meet the individual’s unique needs.

» Save More: The Best Budgeting Apps for Seniors

Factors That Impact the Average Per-Person Assisted Living Cost

One critical factor that affects assisted living costs is age. The minimum age requirement in most assisted living facilities across the nation ranges from 62 to 65.

However, if you or your loved one is under that age range, and requires assisted living due to chronic illness, you have assisted living options. Specialized, licensed assisted living residences and programs are available, even for people under 55. Some of these are run by non-profit organizations. Others are Medicaid-eligible.

According to the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), however, more than half of the 800,000 Americans in assisted living communities are 85 or older.1 Since people usually need more specialized care as they age, the level of care an older adult needs greatly affects the bottom line of assisted living.

It helps to anticipate your future needs as best as you can. You may not require specialized care now, but future changes to your personal care needs can raise the cost for you.

For instance, specialized care services such as memory care can increase the cost by 10 to 15 percent, according to our research on memory care costs. You should also anticipate potential increases due to factors like inflation, or possibly, changes in management or ownership.

We also recommend taking into account your assisted living community of choice, and even your preference when it comes to your personal living space. According to our research, these are the main factors that affect how much assisted living facilities charge their residents:

• Size of your living space
• Senior living amenities
• Level of care needed
• If you’re moving in alone or with a spouse (the latter lowers the per-person cost)

Key Factors That Influence Assisted Living Costs

The cost of assisted living can vary widely depending on the level of care, housing options, amenities, and services a community provides. Looking beyond the base monthly rate can help you better understand the true cost and determine which facilities offer the support and lifestyle that best fit your needs.

The factors below can help you compare communities, estimate potential add-on costs, and evaluate whether a facility provides the care, safety, and quality of life you’re looking for.

Assisted Living Costs vs. Aging in Place Expenses

The average assisted living cost per person is relatively high. For many seniors, these costs can even be prohibitive. Planning in advance can help significantly. Whether you feel financially prepared or are currently weighing your options, choosing where to live during retirement is a significant decision.

A less expensive alternative to assisted living is aging in place in your family home or a downsized residence. When combined with a medical alert device, aging in place could be a safe alternative for seniors on a budget. Some seniors find aging in place preferable to assisted living. Others need the level of care and comfort that a well-run facility can provide.

Medical alert systems empower older adults to retain their independence, ensuring that assistance is just a button press away. Utilizing a medical alert system can be a cost-effective way to stay in a familiar place and still have access to help when you need it.

Aging in place isn’t the best option for older adults who need hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as personal hygiene, dressing, and medication management. The costs for additional services required to elevate the quality of life can add up, especially if you consider hiring professionals such as home health aides or homemakers. Many seniors turn to assisted living because aging in place simply isn’t an option based on their needs and budget.

In some states, the average price of assisted living may come out lower than the combined expenses of living at home with in-home care services. The projected annual cost for in-home care in 2026 is $6,675 per month for homemaker services and $6,878 per month for home health aide services.

In contrast, the median assisted living cost is approximately $6,313 per month. This means that, depending on where you live and the facilities available to you, opting for an assisted living community could save you over $6,000 yearly! Check out our housing comparison guide to learn more.

How to Pay for Assisted Living

You’ll likely need to tap into various financial and medical resources to cover assisted living costs. Without a perfectly planned strategy, your hard-earned nest egg can drain quickly.

» Check Out: A Financial Guide for Seniors

Paying Assisted Living Costs Out of Pocket

People often pay out of pocket for at least some assisted living costs. The funds may come from retirement accounts, investments, savings accounts, or other sources of income.

For those with substantial retirement savings or financial help from family, paying out of pocket may be feasible. Small savings can go a long way toward assisted living if you live on a fixed income or limited budget.

However, retirement savings and Social Security benefits may not be enough to cover the entire cost of assisted living. Even in states with the “cheapest” assisted living costs, you can expect to pay nearly $5,000 a month, which is more than double the average Social Security benefit ($2,071 as of January 2026).3

» Tax Guidance: Is Assisted\ Living Tax Deductible?

Selling a Home

Not all older adults can downsize and age in place. If the services you need are best offered in an assisted living community, selling your home to finance assisted living may be the answer.

This solution hinges on your home’s ownership status. If there’s an outstanding mortgage, selling may not make the money to cover long-term care. Additionally, your home may require costly repairs before it’s ready to sell.

It’s also important to keep in mind how selling your family home can impact your estate planning. If you want to keep your home to pass on to your children or grandchildren, then you’ll need to find another way to afford assisted living.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Many long-term care insurance policies offer assisted living coverage. Remember that the policies usually must be purchased long before you need them, so it may be challenging to obtain a new policy if you need to use it soon. If you know (or believe) that you or a loved one will need to pay for assisted living in the near future, it’s best to plan ahead and acquire insurance (if needed) as soon as possible.

The coverage specifics and qualifications (such as requiring assistance with at least two activities of daily living) can vary by policy. Always read the fine print and speak to a company’s representative about assisted living coverage before purchasing a policy.

Watch the video below to learn about long-term care insurance benefits, expenses and coverage.

Additional Considerations When Paying for Assisted Living

Does Health Insurance Cover Assisted Living?

Private health insurance doesn’t usually cover assisted living4. Every plan is different, however, so it never hurts to ask.

Some policies could partially cover medical services within the assisted living facility. Although standard Medicare may not offer extensive coverage for assisted living, some Medicare Advantage plans might.

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living Costs?

Original Medicare does not cover room and board or assistance with ADLs in an assisted living facility. It may, however, cover specific medical services provided within the facility and home health services such as therapy and skilled nursing care.

You may have additional coverage if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. To learn more, check out our guide to Medicare and Medicaid insurance.

Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?

Medicaid coverage varies by state. Nursing and personal care services may be covered, but states are generally prohibited from using Medicaid funds for room and board in assisted living.

Some states have alternative programs to assist with these costs. Visit your state’s Medicaid website for more details. If you’re unsure if you qualify for Medicaid, check out this Medicaid loophole!

Does the VA Pay for Assisted Living?

The VA doesn’t directly cover the basic costs of assisted living,4 but the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension can be a valuable resource for some. The program can offer substantial assistance each month for assisted living costs. Individuals who qualify must have a net worth of less than $159,240.5

» Learn More: Assisted Living for Veterans

Other veteran programs at the state and federal levels may offer aid. Those with VA health benefits could also qualify for coverage of specific services, such as medical care provided within the assisted living facility.

In the video below, Jeff Hoyt, SeniorLiving.org’s editor-in-chief, speaks with attorney Eric Olsen, executive director of the HELPS nonprofit law firm, about how veterans can take advantage of Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension benefits.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost for a Couple?

Assisted living is an excellent option for mostly self-sufficient older couples who need help. As of February 2026, the median monthly cost for a private one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living community is $6,259.

While single adults can reduce costs by choosing a semi-private room (when and where available), couples can save on the cost per person by simply transitioning into a one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility together.

In many facilities, the average assisted living cost per person goes down significantly for couples. Couples typically don’t pay double since they share the same living space, but they must pay for the second person’s meals, medical care, and other related services.

Most facilities won’t charge for services that only one partner needs, but there may be a second occupancy fee. Always read the fine print and ask questions about any additional costs of moving into an assisted living facility with a spouse or partner before making a decision.

Finding Assisted Living Near You

Assisted living communities are available all over the country. Use our senior living directory to find the one closest to home (or wherever you plan to call home). The directory provides insights into various assisted living communities, allowing you to compare features, costs, and locations.

To start your search, make a list of the facilities you think may be a fit. Check to see if they take Medicaid or offer special rates for veterans and other groups.

When you’re ready to schedule a tour, keep these things in mind:

• What care levels are available?
• What is the price difference between each care level?
• If I have to make a change to a different care level, what is the procedure?
• Does the facility look and smell clean?
• Do the residents look clean and appear happy?
• How does the facility work with a resident who seems depressed or unable to acclimate to their new surroundings?
• Is the staff engaged and friendly?
• Are workers licensed and bonded?
• Are the facility's licenses and staff certifications available to view?
• Who owns the facility?
• Are safety measures, like security doors and a wander management system, in place in the memory care wing?
• Peek into a refrigerator. Does the food look sanitary?
• Spend some time in the dining room and other common areas. Do the residents seem engaged?
• Look at a weekly schedule to see what activities are planned.
• Ask to see a weekly menu and find out if specific dietary needs can be accommodated.
• Does the facility allow pets?
• Do visits need to be scheduled?
• Is there a chapel or other types of religious accommodations?
• Is there WiFi in the residents’ living quarters?
• Are there books, puzzles, and other types of crafts readily available?
• How is transportation for offsite family visits arranged?
• Is there a wait list for residency?
• How much notice is needed for termination of contract?

Whether you’re looking for a traditional assisted living that supports activities of daily living or a location with advanced services such as memory care or respite care, our senior living directory has you covered!