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How Much Does Assisted Living Cost? A State-by-State Guide
Written by Chloe Clark
about the author
9 minute readLast updated May 30, 2023
Reviewed by Leslie FullerLeslie Fuller LMSW, CDP owns the dementia care consulting agency Inspired Senior Care.
Assisted living is often one of the first options for seniors who may need assistance in their day-to-day life but still want to retain their independence. The cost of assisted living communities can fluctuate greatly, depending on where your parent lives or wants to live, among other factors. Understanding the broader cost picture can help greatly when making residence decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Assisted living is often a great choice for seniors who need some assistance with daily activities. Assisted living provides a community experience while helping seniors remain independent.
- The average national cost of assisted living is $4,951 per month. However, assisted living costs vary significantly by location.
- The cost of assisted living can depend on several other factors. These include the amount of care needed and any additional services provided by the community, such as transportation.
- Talking to a Senior Care Advisor can be helpful. They can provide assistance navigating the sometimes confusing costs of care, as well as make recommendations about next steps.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living provides safe residential living for seniors who may need some assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs) but are still primarily healthy and otherwise independent. Typically, assisted living offers a private residence, with access to dining options, personal care assistance with ADLs, such as bathing and dressing, and a community for socializing and staying active.
How much does assisted living cost?
The national median monthly cost of assisted living in 2022 was $4,640. This equates to a yearly median cost of around $55,680.[01] In general, the cost of assisted living will vary based on what services are offered at the assisted living community, the room type a senior chooses, what state and city the community is in, and more. Below is a state-by-state breakdown of median monthly and yearly costs for assisted living communities.[01]
*Data for Alaska is not available for 2022. For reference, 2021 data for Alaska puts the cost at $6,830 per month and $81,960 per year.[02]
The cost of assisted living by state
While costs vary by state, it’s important to keep in mind that state medians may not be reflective of particular cities or towns within that state. For example, in Florida, the cost of assisted living ranges from $2,509 per month to $5,898 per month.[01] There are several reasons why prices can vary so substantially. Choosing assisted living residences further away from city centers, for example, may be more cost effective.| State* | Monthly Median | Yearly Median |
| Alabama | $3,470 | $41,640 |
| Arizona | $4,288 | $51,456 |
| Arkansas | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| California | $4,895 | $58,740 |
| Colorado | $5,048 | $60,576 |
| Connecticut | $6,088 | $73,056 |
| Delaware | $5,319 | $63,828 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $6,800 | $81,600 |
| Florida | $4,040 | $48,480 |
| Georgia | $3,875 | $46,500 |
| Hawaii | $6,907 | $82,884 |
| Idaho | $4,200 | $50,400 |
| Illinois | $5,013 | $60,156 |
| Indiana | $4,185 | $50,220 |
| Iowa | $4,588 | $55,056 |
| Kansas | $5,058 | $60,696 |
| Kentucky | $3,837 | $46,044 |
| Louisiana | $3,595 | $43,140 |
| Maine | $5,460 | $65,520 |
| Maryland | $5,800 | $69,600 |
| Massachusetts | $6,350 | $76,200 |
| Michigan | $4,905 | $58,860 |
| Minnesota | $4,641 | $55,692 |
| Mississippi | $3,652 | $43,824 |
| Missouri | $4,650 | $55,800 |
| Montana | $5,050 | $60,600 |
| Nebraska | $4,950 | $59,400 |
| Nevada | $4,463 | $53,556 |
| New Hampshire | $7,580 | $90,960 |
| New Jersey | $6,810 | $81,720 |
| New Mexico | $4,113 | $49,356 |
| New York | $5,445 | $65,340 |
| North Carolina | $4,825 | $57,900 |
| North Dakota | $3,650 | $43,800 |
| Ohio | $4,647 | $55,764 |
| Oklahoma | $4,164 | $49,968 |
| Oregon | $5,392 | $64,704 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,725 | $56,700 |
| Rhode Island | $4,925 | $59,100 |
| South Carolina | $3,975 | $47,700 |
| South Dakota | $3,710 | $44,520 |
| Tennessee | $3,995 | $47,940 |
| Texas | $4,400 | $52,800 |
| Utah | $3,740 | $44,880 |
| Vermont | $6,500 | $78,000 |
| Virginia | $5,005 | $60,060 |
| Washington | $4,925 | $59,100 |
| West Virginia | $4,500 | $54,000 |
| Wisconsin | $4,875 | $58,500 |
| Wyoming | $3,600 | $43,200 |
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What determines the cost of assisted living?
The cost of assisted living is determined by many factors, including location, floor plan, services offered by the community, amenities offered on site, and pricing model. A helpful way to plan is to make a list with your parent of what they desire in an assisted living community alongside the types of personal care assistance they may need. In addition to this list, creating a monthly budget can also be helpful. The factors below may affect the monthly cost. Here are three of the most common pricing models: Some important services to look for include:
Assisted living pricing models
Communities use different pricing models, so it’s a great question to ask early on. The type of pricing model used may drastically change the cost, especially if your parent needs a higher level of care. It’s important to note that as care levels and needs change, the cost will also likely change. Discussing how often your parent’s needs will be assessed at a community may give you a rough idea of when costs are likely to increase.- All-inclusive. In this pricing model, all costs are bundled together and will include any amenities, such as transportation or internet that are offered by the community. Ask for a breakdown of what services are included. Under this model, the price usually will not fluctuate based on how much care is needed, but it is still wise to check.
- Tiered. This model usually begins with an assessment of the future resident to determine what their level of needed care will be upon moving in. Those on the lowest tier require minimal assistance during the day and will pay less than those who need higher tiers of care.
- A la carte. Your parent is charged a base fee for rent and meals, then any additional services used or needed are added on to that fee. While this can be a cost effective pricing model, it can also lead to issues if your parent needs many additional services.
Location
Assisted living costs vary by state and city. Generally, communities further away from city centers may be cheaper.Floor plan
While there may be standard style rooms in some communities, others may offer more variation at different price points. Your parent will need to determine how much space they need to feel comfortable. If your parent is comfortable with a roommate, sharing a room can be a good option for cutting costs.Services
Services can include basic elements such as housekeeping, but may also encompass social activities. Understanding what services are important to your parent’s quality of life is important as they narrow down their community search.- Transportation. Trips to appointments, shopping, or other off-site needs may be covered. Some communities provide free transportation to scheduled events, but charge for on-demand needs, while others do not charge any transportation fee.
- Housekeeping or laundry services. If your parent struggles with cleaning, then be sure to ask communities what housekeeping is included, if any.
- Medical care. This includes doctor’s appointments, medication management, behavioral therapy, and physical therapy. The opportunity to see specialists, such as podiatrists or psychiatrists, may also be available.
- Community events and clubs. These may be freely offered through the community, while others may require a membership or other fees. These may include things like crafting clubs, game nights, book clubs, and dance groups.
Amenities
From dining options to on-site laundry, amenities can often make living in a community much more comfortable. Some important amenities to factor in include:- Phone and internet. Some communities may include phone, cable, and internet as part of their monthly package. It’s important to check if these aspects are included and what your parent may need in addition to what is provided.
- Dining options. Most communities will provide meals or offer a restaurant-style dining experience. If your parent has special dietary needs or wants, this may cost extra.
- Personal hygiene and care costs. These include things like toilet paper, shampoo, and soap. These will most often need to be provided by the resident themselves.
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Fees
Some communities may charge additional fees for services and amenities. It’s important to have an itemized breakdown of what is included in the monthly costs. Note that some communities will charge a one-time move-in fee as well.How much does assisted living cost for a couple?
The average monthly cost of assisted living for a couple in a shared room is $4,951 for room and board.[01] Assisted living for a couple can often be a more cost-effective choice than having one partner stay at home and another move to an assisted living community.How to find assisted living in your loved one's budget
Helping parents find the right assisted living community involves many factors. Planning ahead can be hugely beneficial, as it will give you and your parent time to find the right community and to figure out how to pay for their care. Being prepared can alleviate a lot of stress for the whole family. A Senior Care Advisor can help you navigate next steps and plan for them, as well as recommend assisted living communities in the location your loved one desires.
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References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom Proprietary Senior Living Price Index.
Genworth. (2021) Cost of Care Survey.
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