Care Facility Cost Comparison by State: Home Care vs. Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home — Free
Figures and guidance last verified against official sources in July 2026.
Quick Answer
National median monthly costs: in-home health aide $5,720/month (44 hrs/week), assisted living facility $4,995/month, nursing home semi-private room $8,669/month, nursing home private room $9,733/month. Costs vary dramatically by state — Alaska and Connecticut are among the most expensive, while southern states tend to be lower.
| Care Type | California (Monthly) | California (Annual) | US National Median (Mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Health Aide (44 hrs/wk) | $6,768 | $81,216 | $5,720 |
| Assisted Living Facility | $5,750 | $69,000 | $4,995 |
| Memory Care Facility (Est.) | $7,000 | $84,000 | $6,160 |
| Nursing Home — Semi-Private Room | $10,372 | $124,464 | $8,669 |
| Nursing Home — Private Room | $11,040 | $132,480 | $9,733 |
Does Medicare Pay for Long-Term Care?
No. Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage do NOT cover custodial long-term care in assisted living or nursing homes. Medicare covers only short-term skilled nursing care (up to 100 days) following a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay. Long-term care is paid out-of-pocket, via long-term care insurance, or by Medicaid once financial thresholds are met.
Source: Benchmarks based on Genworth 2023 Cost of Care Survey data. Verify actual local facility rates directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of assisted living in the United States?
The national median cost for assisted living is approximately $4,995 per month ($59,940 per year), though rates vary widely by state and city.
What is the average cost of a nursing home?
Nationally, a semi-private room in a nursing home averages $8,669 per month ($104,028 per year), while a private room averages $9,733 per month ($116,796 per year).
Does Medicare pay for assisted living or nursing home care?
Medicare does NOT pay for long-term custodial care in assisted living or nursing homes. It pays up to 100 days of medically necessary skilled nursing care after a 3-day inpatient hospital stay.
When does Medicaid start paying for nursing home care?
Medicaid pays for nursing home care once a senior meets state-defined clinical criteria and spends down countable assets to state income/asset limits (typically $2,000 for an individual).
What is the difference between assisted living and a skilled nursing facility?
Assisted living provides assistance with daily living (meals, bathing, meds) in an apartment setting. Skilled nursing facilities provide round-the-clock clinical medical and nursing care.
Are memory care facilities more expensive than regular assisted living?
Yes. Memory care typically costs 20% to 30% more than standard assisted living due to specialized staffing ratios, secure building features, and cognitive programming.
How do I find care facilities in my area and compare their actual rates?
Use the official federal Long-Term Care website (longtermcare.acl.gov) or contact your local Area Agency on Aging via eldercare.acl.gov.
What is the Genworth Cost of Care Survey?
The Genworth Cost of Care Survey is a long-running industry benchmark measuring monthly and annual long-term care costs across all 50 states and metro areas.
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About This Educational Estimate: This tool is for educational purposes only. Seniors Audit uses the official formulas published by Administration for Community Living (ACL), but results are estimates based on the information you entered. Rules, rates, and eligibility thresholds change annually and vary by individual circumstance.
Always verify your specific result directly with Administration for Community Living (ACL) at 1-800-677-1116 or at longtermcare.acl.gov before making enrollment, coverage, or financial decisions.
If you have Medicare questions, a free SHIP counselor in your state can review your specific situation at no cost — find yours at shiphelp.org.
Seniors Audit is independent and not affiliated with any government agency or insurance company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any government agency, insurance company, or financial services firm. All calculations use the official formulas and current figures published by the agencies listed above. We do not receive payment for referrals, leads, or any action taken by visitors to this site. Last reviewed: July 2026.