How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

Assisted Living Costs by State (2025 Estimates)

Source: Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey Data from the National Senior Living Cost Index, based on 2025 estimates

Median Assisted Living Costs Breakdown

Genworth Financial’s 2025 data indicates that the estimated median assisted living cost in the U.S. is $6,077 monthly, or $72,924 annually. Over 800,000 Americans call an assisted living community home, so assisted living plays a pivotal role in senior care. Notably, half of these residents are ages 85 or older.1

» Related Reading: Assisted Living Age Requirements

Assisted living costs are a significant factor to consider, but comparing costs is not always black and white. Up-front fees, monthly charges and additional costs for individual services vary. The costs differ based on the facility’s size, services provided and individual care needs.

Assisted Living Costs vs. Aging in Place Expenses

Choosing where to live during retirement is a significant decision. One option is aging in place in your long-time family home or a downsized residence. Modern technology, such as medical alert systems, empowers older adults to retain their independence, ensuring that assistance is just a button press away.

» You Might Like: Best Medical Alert Systems

Aging in place isn’t the best option for older adults who need hands-on assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as personal hygiene, dressing and medication management. The costs for additional services required to elevate quality of life can add up, especially if you consider hiring professionals such as home health aides or homemakers.

The cost of assisted living is often lower than the combined expenses of living at home with in-home care services. Data from the Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows the projected annual cost for in-home care in 2025 is $77,769 for homemaker services and $80,126 for home health aide services.3 In contrast, the median assisted living cost is approximately $72,924 annually. Opting for an assisted living community could save you over $6,000 yearly!

How to Pay for Assisted Living

You’ll likely need to tap into various financial and medical resources to cover assisted living costs. Without a perfectly planned strategy, your hard-earned nest egg can drain quickly.

» Check Out: A Financial Guide for Seniors

Paying Assisted Living Costs Out of Pocket

People often pay out of pocket for at least some assisted living costs. The funds may come from retirement accounts, investments, savings accounts or other sources of income. For those with substantial retirement savings or financial help from family, paying out of pocket may be feasible. Small savings can go a long way toward assisted living if you live on a fixed income or limited budget.

» Tax Guidance: Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible?

Selling a Home

Not all older adults can downsize and age in place. If the services you need are best offered in an assisted living community, selling your home to finance assisted living may be the answer. This solution hinges on your home’s ownership status. If there’s an outstanding mortgage, selling may not make the money to cover long-term care.

Does Health Insurance Cover Assisted Living?

Private health insurance doesn’t usually cover assisted living.4 Every plan is different, however, so it never hurts to ask. Some policies could partially cover medical services within the assisted living facility. Although standard Medicare may not offer extensive coverage for assisted living, some Medicare Advantage plans might.

» Related Reading: Medicare Advantage Costs

Long-Term Care Insurance

Many long-term care insurance policies offer assisted living coverage. Remember that the policies usually must be purchased long before you need them, so it may be challenging to obtain a new policy if you need to use it soon. The coverage specifics and qualifications (such as requiring assistance with at least two activities of daily living) can vary by policy.

Watch the video below to learn about long-term care insurance benefits, expenses and coverage.

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living Costs?

Original Medicare does not cover room and board or assistance with ADLs in an assisted living facility. It may, however, cover specific medical services provided within the facility and home health services such as therapy and skilled nursing care. You may have additional coverage if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. To learn more, check out our guide to Medicare and Medicaid insurance.

» Compare Your Options: Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing

Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?

Medicaid coverage varies by state. Nursing and personal care services may be covered, but states are generally prohibited from using Medicaid funds for room and board in assisted living.

Some states have alternative programs assisting with these costs. Visit your state’s Medicaid website for more details. If you’re unsure if you qualify for Medicaid, check out this Medicaid loophole!

Does the VA Pay for Assisted Living?

The VA doesn’t directly cover the basic costs of assisted living,5 but the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension can be a valuable resource for some. The program can offer substantial assistance each month for assisted living costs. Individuals who qualify must have a net worth of less than $150,538.

» Learn More: Assisted Living for Veterans

Other veteran programs at the state and federal levels may offer aid. Those with VA health benefits could also qualify for coverage of specific services, such as medical care provided within the assisted living facility. Read our veterans care guide for a comprehensive overview of veterans benefits and eligibility.

In the video below, Jeff Hoyt, SeniorLiving.org’s editor-in-chief, speaks with attorney Eric Olsen, executive director of the HELPS nonprofit law firm, about how veterans can take advantage of Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension benefits.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost for a Couple?

Assisted living is an excellent option for mostly self-sufficient older couples who need help. As of 2025, the median monthly cost for a private one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living community is $5,676.

Couples typically don’t pay double since they share the same living space, but they must pay for the second person’s meals, medical care and other related services. Most facilities won’t charge for services that only one partner needs, but there may be a second occupancy fee.

Finding Assisted Living Near You

Assisted living communities are available all over the country. Use our senior living directory to find the one closest to home (or wherever you plan to call home). The directory provides insights into various assisted living communities, allowing you to compare features, costs and locations.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional assisted living that supports activities of daily living or a location with advanced services such as memory care or respite care, our senior living directory has you covered!