How Much Do Nursing Homes Cost? A State-by-State Guide

The average cost of a nursing home is $9,581 per month for a semi-private room and $10,798 for a private room in the U.S.^[01]

• Daily cost: $315 to $355
• Annual cost: $114,975 to $129,575

Although many people look for the average cost of nursing home care, the median cost offers a more accurate picture. Averages can be distorted in areas with a high concentration of luxury communities or many lower-cost options, since either can pull the numbers up or down. The median cost represents the midpoint, meaning half of nursing home costs in a city or state are higher than this amount, and half are lower.

Location plays a major role in nursing home costs, because the cost of living varies significantly from state to state.^[02]

Median monthly nursing home costs by state

The most and least expensive states for nursing homes

Nursing homes in states that have a higher cost of living, such as Alaska and New York, typically cost more than nursing homes in states with a lower cost of living, such as Texas and Louisiana.^[01]

Similarly, there’s often a cost difference between facilities in rural and urban areas. The demographic percentage of seniors in an area may also affect costs due to supply and demand.

In 2025, the five most expensive states for nursing home care by median monthly cost were:

1. Alaska: $27,831
2. Oregon: $16,670
3. New York: $15,528
4. Hawaii: $15,473
5. Connecticut: $15,208

The five least expensive states by median monthly cost were:

1. Texas: $5,627
2. Missouri: $6,741
3. Oklahoma: $7,026
4. Arkansas: $7,452
5. Louisiana: $7,604

Can you afford senior living?

Nursing homes generally charge a base daily or monthly rate that includes room and board, meals, and care that includes:

• Skilled nursing care, such as wound care, injections, catheter care, and dialysis
• Medication management
• Help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing

Room type

Most nursing home residents live in semi-private rooms, which are less expensive than private rooms. Shared rooms also offer companionship, so for seniors who would benefit from that, a semi-private room may be a better fit. Also, Medicaid, which can cover the cost of nursing home care for those who qualify, will only pay for a private room if it’s considered medically necessary.^[03]

Amenities

Nursing homes are designed to provide the physical, cognitive, and medical care older adults need. Most facilities offer daily activities and therapies, as well as social spaces and nutritious meals.

Some high-end nursing homes and senior living communities offer resort-style amenities in addition to medical care. Examples may include beauty salons and barber shops, wellness programs, and enhanced dining options. However, amenities vary widely by community, and luxury features are generally more common in independent living and assisted living.

Care needs

Residents whose care needs require more medical supplies may pay more than residents who have fewer care needs.

In addition to the base daily or monthly rate, some services and supplies may increase your total cost depending on the nursing home and your loved one’s care needs.

Common additional costs may include:

• Private rooms or upgraded accommodations, if not medically necessary
• Personal items and services, such as toiletries, clothing, laundry, or salon visits
• Transportation, especially for non-emergency or non-covered trips
• Optional activities, outings, or wellness programs

Also, some nursing homes may also charge a one-time entrance or community fee, which may or may not be refundable.

To better understand what’s included, ask for a detailed cost breakdown when researching or touring a nursing home. This can help you see which services are covered in the base rate and which may result in additional charges.

“To avoid surprises, ask about a home’s pricing structure,” says Niki Gewirtz, who has more than 20 years of experience managing residential care communities.

Expert advice for affordable senior living

Nursing homes cost more than other types of senior care because they:

• Provide the highest level of medical care outside of a hospital
• Have licensed medical staff onsite 24/7
• Provide skilled nursing services
• Must meet strict regulatory requirements

To compare costs across different types of senior care, see our guide to long-term care costs.^[04]

Medicaid is the most common payment method for long-term nursing home care, while most seniors use Medicare to pay for short-term rehabilitation in a nursing home following a qualifying hospital stay.

If your loved one requires significant daily medical care, a nursing home is likely the best option. If they only need help with ADLs or some daily assistance, less costly assisted living or home care options may be a better financial choice for your family.

Gewirtz says that senior care options have increased and improved over the past 30 years, and there are many more options for families now to consider.

“As you consider the options, have a good understanding of what your loved one’s current care needs are — what they’re able to do for themselves and what they need assistance to complete,” she says.

For example, if your loved one needs help transferring from a bed to a wheelchair, can they do it with stand-by assistance, or do they need more hands-on help? Can that be done by one person, or are two people needed? Or do they need to use a Hoyer lift to get from the bed to a wheelchair?

Gewirtz explains, “Those answers will help determine what type of care would be best.  Also, keep in mind that admission to a nursing home requires a doctor’s order, so there needs to be a medical need for that level of care, beyond just getting help with ADLs.”

Reach out to one of A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors to discuss different types of senior living, budgetary needs, and local communities — all at no cost to you.