Elder Care Cost Overview
According to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (published November 2025), U.S. nursing home private-room costs averaged $11,983 monthly across 51 state jurisdictions, ranging from $7,604 in Missouri to $18,448 in Oregon. PlainElderCare tracks national medians for all five long-term-care settings, adult day care ($2,557 monthly), assisted living ($6,528 monthly), home care ($6,848 monthly), and the semi-private and private nursing-home tiers, so families can compare the relative cost of each option. See our methodology for refresh cadence and full survey attribution.
Why Costs Vary So Much
Elder care costs in the United States vary dramatically, not just by care type, but by geography, level of care, and specific provider. A nursing home in Alaska can cost three times as much as one in Louisiana for similar services. Home care rates depend on local labor markets. Assisted living costs reflect real estate prices, staffing models, and amenity levels that differ enormously between facilities.
The costs shown here are national medians, meaning half of providers charge more and half charge less. Your actual costs will depend on your state, your specific area within that state, the level of care needed, and the specific provider you choose. Browse state-level data for costs in your area.
| Care Type | Monthly Median | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Home Care (Homemaker/Home Health Aide) Non-medical in-home assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meal prep, and housekeeping. | $6,848 | $82,172 |
| Adult Day Health Care Daytime supervised care in a community-based center. Provides social activities, meals, health monitoring. | $2,557 | $30,687 |
| Assisted Living Facility Residential care providing assistance with daily activities, meals, medication management, and social activities. | $6,528 | $78,330 |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private Room) Skilled nursing facility providing 24-hour medical care in a shared room with meals, personal care, and rehab. | $11,029 | $132,347 |
| Nursing Home (Private Room) Skilled nursing facility providing 24-hour medical care in a private room with full services. | $11,983 | $143,800 |
Key Observations
Nursing home care is consistently the most expensive option, reflecting the 24-hour skilled nursing coverage and medical oversight required. The gap between semi-private and private rooms is typically 15-25 percent. Assisted living costs significantly less than nursing home care because it provides a lower level of medical supervision, though it still includes housing, meals, and personal care assistance.
Home care appears affordable on an hourly basis but can become the most expensive option if 24-hour coverage is needed. At typical rates, round-the-clock home care costs more than a nursing home. However, most families use home care for a limited number of hours per week, making it the most affordable option for those who need only part-time assistance.
Adult day care is the most affordable option for families who need daytime supervision while a primary caregiver works. It provides structured activities, meals, and monitoring during business hours while allowing the elder to return home in the evening.
Planning Ahead
The financial impact of elder care is substantial regardless of which option a family chooses. Planning ahead, understanding costs, exploring funding sources, and making financial arrangements before a crisis forces the decision, gives families more options and less stress. Read our Paying for Elder Care guide for a detailed breakdown of Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and other funding sources.
Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey Costs are national medians. Actual costs vary significantly by location, level of care, and provider. This information is for reference only and does not constitute financial or medical advice