Where to Find the Cheapest Assisted Living in 2023

As of 2023, the median monthly cost of a private room in assisted living was $4,807, according to A Place for Mom’s Cost of Care Report.^[01] Given this rate, seniors can expect to pay around $57,684 a year.

Where in the U.S. can you expect to pay less than that? The states with the least expensive assisted living are usually located in the Midwest and the South. These regions generally have a lower cost of living and cheaper housing costs.^[02]

In 2023, the 10 states with lowest median monthly cost of assisted living were:^[01]

1. Wyoming: $3,300
2. Alabama: $3,637
3. Mississippi: $3,745
4. Louisiana: $3,830
5. Georgia: $3,995
6. Utah: $4,095
7. Kentucky: $4,100
8. New Mexico: $4,108
9. Arkansas: $4,130
10. South Carolina: $4,158

Read related article:Low-Income Assisted Living Options: A Guide on Where to Live and How to Pay

The cost of assisted living is typically higher in the Northeast and along the West Coast, where the median monthly cost of a private room can surpass $6,000. These regions generally have a higher cost of living and more expensive housing prices.

The 10 states with highest median cost for a one-bedroom assisted living apartment in 2023 were:^[01]

1. New Hampshire: $,7,200
2. New Jersey: $6,690
3. Hawaii: $6,507
4. Massachusetts: $6,460
5. Vermont: $6,295
6. Connecticut: $6,165
7. Maryland: $5,885
8. Delaware: $5,779
9. Oregon: $5,595
10. New York: $5,504

Though not technically a state, Washington, D.C., actually has the highest median monthly assisted living cost in the U.S. at $8,855. Even compared to other East Coast cities, it has abnormally high land values that contribute to higher assisted living prices.^[03]

Can you afford assisted living?

States with a lower cost of living typically have cheaper assisted living costs. In regions like the Midwest and the South, a dollar goes further toward paying for the property, goods, and services needed to operate a senior living community. Conversely, assisted living usually costs more in states with higher populations and more cities.

In fact, whether a community is located in a city or a more rural area is a key factor in determining costs.^[04] For instance, the median monthly price of assisted living in St. Louis, Missouri, is $5,299, compared to $4,250 in Springfield, Missouri.^[01]

However, the cost of living doesn’t tell the entire story about why assisted living costs differ greatly from state to state.

Assisted living regulations vary widely across the U.S., unlike nursing homes, which are federally regulated.^[05] As a result, states have different requirements for staffing levels, training, facility size, and safety. All of these are important factors that contribute to the cost of running a facility.

For example, take a look at the neighboring states of Missouri and Kansas, which have a difference in median monthly cost of nearly $500.^[01] In Kansas, assisted living facilities must provide at least 200 square feet of living space in apartments, not including the bathroom and closets. The state doesn’t specify how many residents can occupy an apartment. Meanwhile, Missouri assisted living communities are required to provide a minimum of 70 square feet per resident in each unit. Missouri communities are allowed a maximum of four residents in a unit.^[06]

This isn’t to say that apartment size is the reason for a price difference between Kansas and Missouri, but it illustrates the wide range of regulations that assisted living communities must follow from state to state.

Though important, location isn’t the only factor that affects the cost of assisted living. The services, amenities, activities, building design, and technology contribute to the overall price. It’s important to understand what’s included in the sticker price when comparing assisted living communities.

For example, most assisted living communities include the rent, utilities, meals, activities, care coordination, and some housekeeping in the base cost. But they might charge extra for beauty services, help with activities of daily living, internet, pets, laundry, or an entrance fee.

While some assisted living communities are all-inclusive, others offer a tiered structure where the price depends on the overall level of care a loved one needs. Another common cost model is a la carte, in which residents pay for assistance with certain services and activities of daily living.

Expert advice for affordable assisted living

Families have several options when paying for assisted living, which include retirement savings, long-term care insurance, home equity, veterans benefits, or a combination of these sources.

Additionally, Medicaid helps families pay for assisted living, though each state has different rules and regulations. Seniors must qualify financially, and Medicaid may not cover all costs associated with assisted living.

Medicare doesn’t typically cover assisted living. Generally, it pays for short-term, intensive care for seniors. However, Medicare might cover the cost for health care services, such as insulin injections, while a resident is in assisted living.

Doing a thorough search for senior living comes with lots of questions: Where can I find the best location at an affordable price? Does the community provide services my loved one needs? What payment options do I have? Undoubtedly, it’s a challenging endeavor.

For help along the way, A Place for Mom offers consultations to navigate the search for senior living. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find assisted living options in your area, schedule tours, and plan the logistics of a move — all at no cost to your family.