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How Much Does Assisted Living Cost by State?
Date Updated: July 25, 2025
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Assisted living can be a good option for seniors who don’t need round-the-clock care, but do need some help with grooming, bathing, and other activities of daily living. How much does assisted living cost? That varies depending on where you live and the amenities and services offered by the facility. The median cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $5,900/month, but in reality, median costs range from a high of $11,311/month in Hawaii to a much lower $4,350 monthly in South Dakota, the cheapest state for assisted living.
Key Takeaways
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Cost of Assisted Living by States
If you are a senior — or are caring for one — you may wonder How much does assisted living cost? Assisted living facilities may be a good option if you or your loved one needs some help with activities of daily living (ADLs) but doesn’t require the extensive (and pricey) care of a nursing home or memory care unit.
Per our assisted living statistics, assisted living facilities are the most common form of senior living, with around 743,000 units as of 2022. Costs of those units vary greatly depending on the amenities and location.
Median costs range from a high of $11,311/month in Hawaii to South Dakota’s $4,350 /month.
To find out what assisted living may cost you in your region, check out your state on the map below.
Most Expensive States for Assisted Living
Assisted living costs are not standardized, and location is one reason for the price variation. Here is a list of the most expensive states for assisted living, along with the median monthly costs in that state:
- Hawaii: $11,311/month
- Alaska: $10,198/month
- Washington, D.C.: $9,640/month
- Massachusetts: $9,058/month
- Connecticut: $8,955/month
Least Expensive States for Assisted Living
If you live in one of the least expensive states for assisted living, you may pay less for this level of care. But remember: Costs can vary greatly depending on the amenities and services offered by a specific facility.
- South Dakota: $4,350/month
- Mississippi: $4,445/month
- Alabama: $4,572/month
- Idaho: $4,600/month
- Utah: $4,685/month
What to Consider When Choosing Assisted Living
You are likely to have multiple priorities when choosing an assisted living facility for yourself or your loved one. First, you may want to think about the amenities and services that are most important. All assisted living facilities will offer assistance with your ADLs, but some might have other optional services, such as mental health counseling, physical or occupational therapy, or extras such as a pool or gardens where residents can tend to flowers or vegetables.
Once you have considered the amenities, conduct online research on location facilities and then schedule visits to those that look appealing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when there, and if possible, talk to staff and residents about their experiences.
What’s Included With Assisted Living?
So you’ve done your homework, visited potential sites, and have made your decision on the best residence for you or your loved one. Now it’s time to plan your move to assisted living. Our PDF checklist may be helpful, and the following items that are generally included in assisted living facilities may help you determine what to expect:
- Activities of Daily Living: your facility should provide help with bathing, toileting, grooming, and other ADLs, as needed by each resident.
- Medication Management: If you or your loved one is taking medications, the facility is likely to have trained staff available to help you manage and administer them.
- Social Activities: Most facilities emphasize activities and outings, from arts and crafts and exercise classes to concerts or picnics for residents that can help them make social connections and engage in an active life as they are able.
- Healthy Meals: Often, meals are communal, allowing residents to socialize while eating. Many facilities have a nutritionist on staff to ensure that food choices are healthy and appealing, and there may be low-sodium, vegetarian, and other choices.
- Housekeeping: Senior residents will need to do little, if any, work to ensure their environment is clean, neat, and well-ordered. Housekeeping services are generally available as one of the amenities offered by the facility.
- In-house Entertainment: Many facilities have conveniences such as a movie theater, library, community garden, or spa for residents. Some have chapels that offer religious services, or a community garden where residents can plant flowers or vegetables.
Bottom Line
The cost of assisted living isn’t cheap, and may seem out of reach for those who are considered low-income, but there may be multiple ways to pay for assisted living, from tapping into savings to selling your home to pay for fees. On the plus side, however, assisted living facilities offer a higher level of care than is available, for example, at an independent living residence. Residents can expect help with their ADLs, nutritious meals, the chance to socialize with others, and more. For more tips on covering the cost of assisted living, please visit our assisted living resource hub.
Cost of Assisted Living FAQ
Sources
- Calculate the Cost of Long-Term Care Near You. (2024). CareScout
- What does assisted living provide for residents? (n.d.). Senior Services of America