How Much Does Long-Term Care Cost?
At national median rates, in-home care from a non-medical caregiver runs about $35 an hour: roughly $6,700 a month for close to full-time help. Assisted living averages about $6,200 a month, and a semi-private nursing home room about $9,585 a month, according to CareScout’s 2025 Cost of Care Survey.
| Type of care | National median, monthly |
|---|---|
| In-home care (non-medical, ~44 hrs/week) | ~$6,700 |
| Assisted living | $6,200 |
| Nursing home, semi-private room | ~$9,585 |
| Nursing home, private room | ~$10,792 |
Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. Nursing home monthly figures are calculated from national median daily rates ($315 and $355).
Why can home care cost more than assisted living?
Home care is priced by the hour. At about $35 an hour, close to full-time help adds up quickly, and it’s one-on-one. Assisted living spreads staff across many residents. The more hours of help you need at home, the higher the cost.
What affects the cost of care where you live?
Location: costs vary widely by state and metro area
Level of care: companionship, hands-on personal care, and skilled nursing are priced differently
Provider type: agencies and independent caregivers charge different rates
Hours: a few hours a week and round-the-clock care are very different budgets
How long does care last?
That’s the variable no one controls. A few months of care is an expense; several years is a different situation entirely. Planning for the cost of care means planning for uncertainty about how long it will last.
How do people pay for these costs?
Through savings, family help, Medicaid (after spending down assets), or long-term care insurance. Medicare doesn’t cover ongoing custodial care, see Does Medicare Cover Long-Term Care? and Long-Term Care Insurance vs. Medicaid.
What does long-term care insurance cost?
Staying Power is a licensed insurance agency that helps people plan for these costs as part of aging at home.
Premiums depend on your age and health when you apply, and on the coverage you choose: monthly benefit, benefit period, inflation protection, and individual or joint coverage. The fastest way to get a real number is to answer a few questions and talk with a licensed agent.
Frequently asked questions
Will long-term care costs go up?
Care costs tend to rise over time. Many policies offer inflation protection so your benefit can grow; with the coverage we offer, options include 3% simple, 3% compound, or 5% compound.
Does long-term care insurance cover the whole cost of care?
It pays up to the monthly benefit and benefit period you choose, which may not cover the entire cost.
Is home care cheaper than a nursing home?
At national medians, close to full-time home care costs less than a nursing home room, though home care costs rise with the number of hours of help needed.
