How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

It is essential to understand how assisted living works financially because the additional services and care available in these settings go beyond what other senior living options typically provide. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey (2023), assisted living in the United States costs an average of $5,350 monthly ($64,200 annually), but many factors influence what residents will pay. These factors include the level of care and services provided to each individual resident and market variations based upon geographical location and community characteristics.

An Overview of Assisted Living Costs and Fees

In general, base fees for assisted living cover a basic level of service, which may vary depending on the operator and location. Base fees also cover monthly rent, meals and snacks, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, emergency response, resident engagement activities and administrative functions.

Assisted living operators then typically utilize a care professional (frequently a licensed nurse) to assess resident acuity and supportive care needs at the time the resident moves into the community and at certain intervals thereafter to determine additional care related fees.

Initial needs assessments and, thereafter, intervals for reassessments are often prescribed by the state (but typically assessments take place upon move-in, whenever there is a change in the condition of the resident, or as otherwise dictated by state requirements). The residency agreement that you receive at move-in is a legal document and should specify exactly how assisted living fees are determined by the community (frequently with language prescribed by the state in which the community is located).

For services in excess of base fees, assisted living pricing allows each resident to pay based upon his or her level of need and the services required.  This means each resident is charged only for the care and services they utilize, which helps to lower costs for residents with fewer needs.

As resident needs change and more care and caregiver staff time is required, fees are adjusted to reflect the additional care and service provided. It is not uncommon for significant changes in an older adult’s physical or cognitive condition to occur over relatively short periods of time.

Do Any Assisted Living Communities Charge a Flat Fee?

While it is relatively uncommon, some assisted living communities (particularly those specializing in memory care) may charge a flat, all-inclusive monthly fee.  Often this occurs in markets where all-inclusive fees have historically been accepted by residents and their families and where resident needs tend to be similar across the community.

To understand if you can afford assisted living, take our Affordability Survey (Powered by Roobrik) to start evaluating cost options.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

The answer depends on the community, the size of your apartment, the number of services you need and what part of the country you live in.

For comparison, a 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey indicated the average annual cost of assisted living community rose 1.36% since 2022. Across the country, the average cost for a private room totaled around $64,200 per year or $176 per day.

The Genworth survey also found the average cost for a private room in a nursing home was $320 per day or $116,800 per year ($104,025 per year for a semi-private room) – a nearly five percent increase from 2022. Home health aide services rose 10% from 2022, with costs averaging $207 per day ($75,504 per year), based on an eight-hour day, 5 days a week (more time-intensive care will likely be more expensive).

Here are the current average assisted living costs for each state according to Genworth:

Factors that Impact Assisted Living Costs

Average costs provide a ballpark estimate of how much you can expect to pay for assisted living, but the actual price depends upon the details.

Level of Care

The primary determinant of you or your loved one’s assisted living costs is the type of care provided. Extensive medical attention (as allowed under state licensure law), specialized services and personal care demand more resources and staffing, meaning higher fees.

Geographical Location

Your state and city may dramatically influence your assisted living costs. Similar to other industries, assisted living facilities in urban areas typically cost more than those in rural areas. An area’s higher cost of living, labor market, and property costs yield higher operational costs for assisted living communities.

Size of Living Area

Maintaining and servicing an assisted living facility requires ample resources. If you or your loved one opt for a private room or large apartment, you can expect a higher price than someone in shared or smaller accommodations.

Amenities

Assisted living communities vary widely in terms of finish quality and range of amenities. Gourmet dining, recreational activities, fitness rooms and swimming pools raise the monthly fees. You must determine whether the enhanced quality of these services and amenities is worth the price.

Assisted Living Costs vs. Nursing Homes, Home Care and More

Weighing costs and services is critical to selecting the best senior care option for you or your loved one’s needs. Use these comparisons as you make your decision:

Assisted Living

The national average price of assisted living is $5,350 per month. This arrangement includes personal care, housekeeping, meals, and social activities or clubs. Assisted living is ideal for anyone who wants assistance while maintaining independence.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes offer comprehensive skilled nursing care and assistance with day-to-day activities. You can expect to pay $9,733 monthly for a private room. The more intensive the care level needed leads to a higher price.

In-Home Care

If you or your loved one wishes to remain at home, you can receive personalized support through in-home care services. These services cost an average of $6,292 per month for care eight hours a day, five days a week according to Genworth, but the price rises as the level of care increases.

Cost Structure and Hidden Fees

Average assisted living costs typically include a base level of personal care services and oversight in addition to rent, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and resident engagement activities. It is essential to factor in the extra charges for more intensive care. While in-home care usually comes at an hourly rate and care requiring specialized services may be billed at a higher hourly rate, nursing homes often add fees for specialized services. You can save yourself from unexpected expenses by knowing how these price structures work and what you will be charged for beyond basic services.

How to Pay for Assisted Living

Many people believe assisted living is covered by Medicare. In fact, 57% of people surveyed said they plan to rely on Medicare to help pay for any senior care they might need. However, while personal health insurance and pharmaceutical coverage continue after relocating to a community, Medicare typically doesn’t pay for assisted living.

The same survey found that 61% of respondents thought they would rely on Social Security to cover assisted living or other long-term care costs. The reality is, the average monthly Social Security payment only covers a small portion of those costs.

Here are some realistic ideas for paying assisted living costs:

• Out of Pocket: Many individuals pay for assisted living directly from their personal savings or income, which can quickly get expensive.
• Medicaid and Medicaid Waiver: If your income and assets make you eligible, these government-backed programs can help you pay for assisted living in states that have adopted a Medicaid waiver program.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: An LTC insurance policy can cover assisted living costs; the amount covered depends on the specific insurance plan.
• Life Insurance Benefits and Conversions: Some seniors use their life insurance policies to pay for assisted living through benefit payouts or conversions.
• Veterans Benefits: VA programs like Aid and Attendance offer some former military members and their spouses financial assistance for senior care services.
• Home Equity: Selling your home or taking on a reverse mortgage can provide substantial funds that can be directed to assisted living costs.

It’s worth noting that in a Life Plan Community (or Continuing Care Retirement Community) that requires the payment of a sizeable up front entrance fee, that entrance fee usually helps guarantee you access to all levels of care – including assisted living and memory care – and it may help to offset the long-term costs of that care. In many cases, a portion of the entrance fee is tax-deductible as a medical expense, so be sure to talk with a tax professional about these savings. Be certain to fully understand what benefits you are entitled to for paying an entrance fee as well as the details regarding the refundability of the fee.

The Value of Assisted Living

When it’s apparent that some type of assistance is needed for day-to-day support, sorting through the finances to pay for assisted living is important. Do your due diligence – look at the Genworth site for costs in your area. As a point of comparison, figure out how much it’s costing you to stay in your house with this Costs Worksheet. (Note: If you haven’t paid off your mortgage, you should add that expense to the worksheet, too.)

It’s also important to factor in the other benefits you get from an assisted living or a Life Plan Community. Social connections, wellness programs, cultural experiences, nutritious meals, opportunities to learn and grow, safety and 24/7 security – they’re all part of what you get on top of personal assistance. To find an assisted living community near you, use our Community Locator tool.

Do the math; consider the value. You may be surprised at how affordable assisted living really is.

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.

_{Originally Published: March 14, 2017 – Updated On: August 13, 2024}

Sources:

Long-Term Care in America: Views on Who Should Bear the Responsibility and Costs of Care. AP/NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 2017.

2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey