Exploring Assisted Living Costs Across the United States
Assisted living costs can vary depending on location, amenities, and more. Explore our list to discover which states offer the best value and where you might find more affordable options for assisted living.
As people age, they often discover they need assistance with daily tasks, yet also want to maintain some level of independence. Assisted living facilities provide a supportive environment for seniors who require help with the more physically-taxing activities like bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. However, the cost of assisted living can vary significantly depending on location, amenities, and level of care provided.
Factors Affecting Assisted Living Costs
Before diving into the cost breakdown by state, it's essential to understand the factors that influence assisted living expenses:
Location:
The cost of living varies widely across states and regions. Urban areas and states with higher living expenses typically have higher assisted living costs.
Level of Care:
Assisted living facilities offer different levels of care, ranging from basic assistance with daily activities to specialized memory care programs with 24-hour supervision and medical support. The level of care required by the resident directly affects the cost.
Amenities and Services:
Facilities that offer additional amenities such as private rooms, gourmet dining, transportation services, and recreational activities may have higher fees than those with more basic accommodations.
Staffing Ratios:
Facilities with lower staff-to-resident ratios may charge higher fees to cover the cost of additional caregivers and specialized training.
Real Estate Prices:
Property values and rental rates influence the cost of operating assisted living facilities, which can impact the overall cost of care for residents.
Most Expensive States for Assisted Living
Balancing all of the factors that go into choosing the right assisted living location can be difficult but is vital considering it will be the place where you spend most of your time.
Washington, D.C.:
As one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States for all ages, it is also in the top 10 for most expensive for assisted living. As of 2024, the population of the city was more than 689,000 with a median household income of $101,000, and almost 3% of the state without healthcare coverage.
- Median Assisted Living Cost: $6,978 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: High cost of living, premium healthcare facilities, limited space
Delaware:
Located on the east coast of the United States, Delaware is another state with increasing costs of living that have affected seniors as they search for assisted living communities. Similar to Washington D.C., Delaware’s 2024 population was about 989,000 residents with a median household income of $82,000 and more than 5.5% of the state’s population without healthcare coverage.
- Median Cost: $6,978 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Limited number of facilities, high demand for senior services
Massachusetts:
Massachusetts is another state with high assisted living costs, particularly in cities like Boston and Cambridge. The state’s population was more than 7 million in 2024, has a median household income of $94,400 and almost 2.5%of the population is without healthcare coverage.
- Median Cost: $6,300 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: High cost of living, excellent healthcare systems, high demand for assisted living
Alaska:
Alaska is known for its remote location and high cost of living, which translates to higher assisted living costs. It’s population in 2024 is at 733,000 with median household income at $88,000, and 11% of the residents without healthcare coverage
- Median Cost: $6,978 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: High cost of living, geographic isolation, limited number of facilities
New York:
New York's reputation for high living expenses extends to assisted living as well. The 2024 resident population was at a staggering 20.2 million, a median household income of almost $80,000, and almost 5% of the state population without healthcare coverage.
- Median Cost: $5,750 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: High cost of living, high demand in urban areas (NYC), quality of care
Vermont:
Located in the northeast region of the United States is Vermont, which is known for its natural forested landscape, wooden bridges and production of maple syrup. However, it also is considered one of the most expensive states for assisted living. Its 2024 population was approximately 640,000 residents with a $73,000 median household income and almost 4% of residents without healthcare coverage.
- Median Cost: $5,600 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Smaller state with fewer facilities, increasing prices, limited availability
Hawaii:
Hawaii's picturesque landscapes and desirable climate come at a cost, making it one of the most expensive states for assisted living. The 2024 population is almost 1.5 million, with a median household income at $92,000, and about 3.5% of the residents without healthcare coverage
- Median Cost: $5,500
- Factors Affecting Cost: Geographic isolation, limited number of facilities, high demand of assisted living resources
Least Expensive States for Assisted Living
Contrary to the 7 most expensive states listed above, below we’ve provided the least expensive states for assisted living, all of which range between $3,000 and $4,100 median monthly costs.
Missouri:
Missouri offers some of the most affordable cost of living options in the country. The population is more than 6.1 million residents, approximately 8.6% of which are without healthcare coverage, and a median household income of $64,000.
- Median Cost: $3,000 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Lower overall cost of living, numerous assisted living facilities
Arkansas:
Arkansas is another state where assisted living facilities in smaller cities and rural areas may have lower fees compared to those in major metropolitan areas. The 2024 population is 3 million, 8.4% of which are without healthcare coverage, and the state’s median household income is $55,000.
- Median Cost: $3,175 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Affordable housing, lower healthcare costs
Georgia:
The state's southern hospitality, beautiful scenery and overall affordability make it an attractive option for seniors seeking quality care at a reasonable price. Georgia’s 2024 population is 10.7 million, with 11% without healthcare coverage, and median household income of $72,000.
- Median Cost: $3,500 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Moderate cost of living, variety of assisted living communities
Alabama:
Alabama is known for its affordable cost of living, and assisted living costs reflect this. The 2024 population is 5 million, 8.8% of which are without healthcare coverage, and median household income of $59,000.
- Median Cost: $3,250 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Lower cost of living, low property costs
North Carolina:
As one of the most populated states in the U.S., North Carolina has more than 10.3 million residents, $67,000 median household income, and almost 10% of the population is without healthcare coverage.
- Median Cost: $3,800 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Moderate cost of living, large number of facilities
Ohio:
Ohio is a midwestern state that is considered one of the best states for affordable assisted living services. It’s population for 2024 is almost 11.8 million, almost 6% of which are without healthcare coverage, and with $65,000 median household income.
- Median Cost: $4,085 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Moderate cost of living, variety of facilities
Utah:
As one of the most populated states in the U.S., Utah has more than 3.2 million residents, $89,000 median household income, and 8% of the population is without healthcare coverage.
- Median Cost: $4,100 per month
- Factors Affecting Cost: Lower cost of living, growing number of facilities
While the cost of assisted living can vary significantly depending on location, amenities, and level of care provided, there are affordable options available in every state. Ultimately, the best assisted living facility is one that provides quality care, safety, and comfort for its residents while remaining within their financial means. By carefully considering factors such as location, level of care, amenities, and cost, seniors and their families can make informed decisions and find the perfect assisted living location to call home.
Find Assisted Living Facilities on Senior Care Finder
For elderly individuals, it’s important to have the resources to find effective senior living services and assisted living centers. Senior Care Finder is committed to providing all of the best resources to do this, by offering a wide range of resources in our directory. Explore our Services page to begin your search to find sustainable and affordable solutions for senior living.
