State-by-State Long-Term Care Costs
A Reference Guide for Families Planning Senior Care
Understanding Long-Term Care Costs
Long-term care costs vary dramatically by state and care setting. Use this guide to understand what families in your area typically pay for different levels of care. Remember: these are averages. Actual costs depend on the specific facility, location within the state, level of care needed, and amenities included.
Important Notes:
- Nursing Home: Monthly cost for a semi-private room
- Assisted Living: Base rate only; personal care services typically cost extra
- Independent Living: Housing and amenities; no personal care included
- Skilled Nursing: Daily rate for short-term rehabilitation (Medicare may cover if criteria are met)
| State | Nursing Home (Monthly) | Assisted Living (Monthly) | Independent Living (Monthly) | Skilled Nursing (Daily) |
| Alabama | $7,000 | $3,700 | $2,500 | $250/day |
| Alaska | $31,000 | $6,500 | $3,800 | $900/day |
| Arizona | $8,500 | $4,500 | $3,000 | $275/day |
| Arkansas | $7,000 | $3,800 | $2,400 | $230/day |
| California | $11,500 | $5,500 | $3,300 | $350/day |
| Colorado | $9,000 | $5,000 | $3,200 | $300/day |
| Connecticut | $13,000 | $6,000 | $3,600 | $400/day |
| Delaware | $12,000 | $5,400 | $3,200 | $350/day |
| Florida | $9,500 | $4,500 | $3,100 | $300/day |
| Georgia | $7,500 | $3,800 | $2,700 | $260/day |
| Hawaii | $13,000 | $6,000 | $3,800 | $400/day |
| Idaho | $8,000 | $4,000 | $2,800 | $270/day |
| Illinois | $8,500 | $4,800 | $3,000 | $275/day |
| Indiana | $7,500 | $4,300 | $2,700 | $250/day |
| Iowa | $7,500 | $4,400 | $2,700 | $250/day |
| Kansas | $7,500 | $4,500 | $2,800 | $250/day |
| Kentucky | $7,300 | $3,800 | $2,500 | $240/day |
| Louisiana | $7,200 | $3,700 | $2,400 | $240/day |
| Maine | $10,500 | $5,500 | $3,000 | $320/day |
| Maryland | $10,500 | $5,500 | $3,400 | $325/day |
| Massachusetts | $13,500 | $6,500 | $3,800 | $430/day |
| Michigan | $9,000 | $4,500 | $2,900 | $300/day |
| Minnesota | $10,000 | $4,800 | $3,100 | $320/day |
| Mississippi | $7,200 | $3,600 | $2,300 | $230/day |
| Missouri | $7,500 | $3,800 | $2,500 | $250/day |
| Montana | $8,500 | $4,300 | $2,900 | $280/day |
| Nebraska | $7,800 | $4,400 | $2,700 | $260/day |
| Nevada | $9,000 | $4,500 | $3,000 | $300/day |
| New Hampshire | $11,000 | $6,000 | $3,300 | $350/day |
| New Jersey | $12,800 | $6,500 | $3,700 | $350/day |
| New Mexico | $8,000 | $4,200 | $2,800 | $270/day |
| New York | $13,000 | $5,900 | $3,400 | $350/day |
| North Carolina | $8,500 | $4,600 | $2,900 | $280/day |
| North Dakota | $11,500 | $4,500 | $2,900 | $350/day |
| Ohio | $8,500 | $4,600 | $2,900 | $280/day |
| Oklahoma | $7,000 | $3,800 | $2,400 | $230/day |
| Oregon | $11,000 | $5,500 | $3,300 | $350/day |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | $4,800 | $3,000 | $320/day |
| Rhode Island | $10,500 | $6,000 | $3,500 | $340/day |
| South Carolina | $8,000 | $3,900 | $2,700 | $270/day |
| South Dakota | $7,800 | $4,200 | $2,700 | $260/day |
| Tennessee | $8,000 | $4,100 | $2,700 | $270/day |
| Texas | $5,600 | $3,800 | $2,700 | $175/day |
| Utah | $8,000 | $4,200 | $2,800 | $270/day |
| Vermont | $11,500 | $6,000 | $3,300 | $360/day |
| Virginia | $9,500 | $5,000 | $3,100 | $300/day |
| Washington | $11,000 | $5,800 | $3,400 | $350/day |
| West Virginia | $7,800 | $4,200 | $2,600 | $260/day |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 | $4,800 | $3,000 | $320/day |
| Wyoming | $8,500 | $4,400 | $2,800 | $280/day |
Key Takeaways for Long-Term Care Costs
• Medicare does not pay for long-term care. Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing rehabilitation only when specific conditions are met. It does not cover assisted living or long-term nursing home stays.
• Assisted living base rates are just the beginning. Help with bathing, dressing, medication management, and other personal care typically costs extra. Ask about “levels of care” pricing.
• Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term nursing home care once personal assets are spent down to state eligibility limits.
• Costs vary within states too. Urban areas typically cost more than rural areas. Luxury communities cost more than basic ones.
• Plan ahead. Understanding costs now helps families make informed decisions and explore options like long-term care insurance before care is needed.
Data Source: Cost data reported by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, sourced from the Genworth Financial/CareScout Cost of Care Survey. Figures represent median costs and are subject to change. Always verify current costs with specific facilities.
Need Help Navigating Long-Term Care Options?
Umbra Health Advocacy’s experienced patient advocates can help you compare care options, understand costs, navigate insurance and Medicaid, and find the right facility for your loved one. These services may be covered by your Medicare insurance. Get Your Advocate.