Use the map and calculator to compare estimated care costs for home care, adult day care, assisted living, and nursing home care.
Cost map
Darker states usually mean higher monthly care costs for the selected care type.
How to use these care cost estimates
Senior care costs can surprise families. The monthly price can be much higher than Social Security, pension income, or family savings. This tool helps you compare care types before you call providers. It can show whether home care, adult day care, assisted living, or nursing home care may create a monthly gap.
The map is meant to make state differences easier to see. Choose a care type first. Then click a state or select a state from the dropdown. If your metro area is listed, choose it to see a more local estimate. If your area is not listed, use the state average as a starting point.
What to check after you see the cost
- If care costs more than income: Ask your state Medicaid office about long-term care Medicaid and Home and Community-Based Services.
- If the person is a veteran or surviving spouse: Ask the VA about pension and Aid and Attendance.
- If home care is too costly: Compare adult day care, respite care, Area Agency on Aging services, and PACE if available.
- If nursing home care may be needed: Ask about Medicaid rules before spending down assets or signing a facility contract.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not assume Medicare pays for long-term custodial care. Medicare is limited for long-term care.
- Do not compare only monthly rent for assisted living. Ask what care levels, medication help, meals, and fees cost.
- Do not wait until savings are gone before asking Medicaid questions.
- Do not choose based only on price. Safety, staffing, distance, and care needs matter too.
References
The workbook data is based on the uploaded state and metro cost file. For public background, CareScout says its 2025 Cost of Care Survey gathered provider-reported median costs for long-term care services nationwide. See the CareScout release and the survey methodology. Medicare explains that long-term custodial care is generally not covered as ordinary long-term care; check Medicare long-term care. For local aging services, use the Eldercare Locator.
Resumen en español
Esta herramienta ayuda a comparar costos de cuidado para personas mayores por estado y área metropolitana. Puede revisar cuidado en casa, cuidado diurno para adultos, vida asistida y hogares de ancianos. El mapa muestra qué estados tienen costos más altos o más bajos para el tipo de cuidado seleccionado.
Use estos números como punto de partida, no como una cotización exacta. El precio real puede cambiar según el proveedor, el nivel de cuidado, el cuarto, los servicios incluidos y las reglas locales. Si el costo mensual es más alto que los ingresos, pregunte sobre Medicaid de cuidado a largo plazo, PACE, beneficios para veteranos, servicios de la oficina local de envejecimiento y ayuda para cuidadores.
Antes de firmar un contrato o pagar un depósito, pida una lista escrita de todos los cargos. Pregunte qué está incluido, qué cuesta extra, y qué pasa si la persona necesita más ayuda después.