Cost of Assisted Living in 2026
The national median is $4,000/month, based on 1,393 assisted living providers we track. Use the calculator to estimate your specific situation, or pick a state for local rates.
Estimate your monthly cost
Based on the national median. Pick a state below for local rates.
Choose the description that fits best today. Costs rise as care needs increase over time.
Your estimate
$6,250 /month
This is a directional estimate based on median rates in your area and the options you selected. Actual costs vary by provider and can increase over time.
What the range looks like nationally
25th percentile
$3,500
Median
$4,000
75th percentile
$8,000
Cost of assisted living by state
How families pay for assisted living
Most assisted living is paid privately by families. Medicare does not cover long-term care in this category (with limited exceptions for short-term skilled nursing). Medicaid covers care in many states through HCBS waivers, though usually not room and board. Veterans and surviving spouses often qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit ($1,500 to $2,500 per month). Long-term care insurance policies vary widely.
Full payment breakdown on the assisted living guideFrequently asked questions
How much does assisted living cost per month?
The national median for assisted living is $4,000/month, based on 1,393 providers we track. State-by-state medians vary widely; use the calculator above or pick a state below to see local rates.
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
Medicare does not pay for the room and board cost of assisted living. It will cover short-term skilled nursing or therapy after a qualifying hospital stay, but not the ongoing cost of long-term care.
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living?
Medicaid coverage for assisted living varies by state. Most states have HCBS waivers that cover personal care services, though not usually room and board. Check with providers in your state to see which Medicaid programs they accept.
How can I lower the cost of assisted living?
Options include: VA Aid & Attendance for qualifying veterans and surviving spouses ($1,500 to $2,500 per month), long-term care insurance if a policy is in place, choosing a shared or smaller room, and reducing add-on services. Some providers offer discounts for longer-term commitments.
Ready to see actual providers?
We track 1,393 assisted living providers across 13 states. Filter by rating, cost cap, and payment types.
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