How much does long-term care cost? Estimate nursing home, assisted living, home health aide, and adult day care costs in your area — then see how inflation raises costs over time, or how long your savings will last.
National median monthly rates are Genworth-style figures. Medical care costs have historically grown about 5% per year — well above general inflation.
Each year we subtract the inflated care cost from savings, then apply investment growth to the remaining balance. Capped at 30 years.
Inputs: Semi-private room, Average tier, 5% inflation, 3 years.
Calculation: $9,034 × 1.00 = $9,034.00; monthly costs grow 5% each year: $9,485.70 → $9,959.99 → $10,457.98.
Inputs: Assisted living, Low tier (0.80), 5% inflation, 2 years.
Calculation: $5,350 × 0.80 = $4,280.00; year months grow 5%: $4,494.00 → $4,718.70.
Inputs: Semi-private room, Average tier, 5% inflation, $250,000 savings, 4% growth.
Calculation: Year 1's $9,485.70/mo cost leaves $136,171.60, which grows 4% to $141,618.46. Year 2's $119,519.82 leaves $22,982.59 — exhausted partway through Year 3 at $10,457.98/mo.
Note: These examples use national median rates. Actual costs differ by area — use the Location Cost Tier to adjust, and check local providers for current pricing.
National Median Monthly Rates: Semi-private $9,034 · Private $10,025 · Assisted living $5,350 · Home health aide $6,292 · Homemaker $5,148 · Adult day care $2,020
Location Factor: Low 0.80 · Average 1.00 · High 1.25 · Very High 1.45
Medical Inflation Rate: Default 5% per year (adjustable 0–10%)
Investment Growth: Default 4% per year, applied to the remaining balance in savings mode
Pick the type of care you expect to need and the location tier matching your state. Low-cost states run about 80% of the national average; high-cost areas like New York or Alaska run 25–45% above.
Medical care costs have historically risen about 5% per year — faster than general inflation. Use 5% for a conservative estimate, or 6–7% for a more aggressive savings target.
Use Care Cost Projection to total care costs over a specific number of years. Switch to How Long Will My Savings Last to see how many years your savings will cover with a 4% annual return on the remaining balance.
Based on national median rates, a semi-private nursing home room costs about $9,034 per month ($108,408 per year), while a private room runs about $10,025 per month ($120,300 per year). Assisted living averages $5,350 per month ($64,200 per year), home health aide services $6,292 per month, homemaker services $5,148 per month, and adult day care $2,020 per month.
These are national medians — actual prices swing widely. Low-cost states run about 20% below the median; high-cost states like New York, California, or Alaska run 25–45% above. That's why this calculator applies a location factor before projecting future costs.
The most important number isn't today's cost — it's tomorrow's. Medical care inflation has historically run near 5% per year, well above general inflation, so a nursing home costing $9,034/month today will cost roughly $14,719/month in 10 years. Plan with inflation baked in.
Type of care. The biggest cost driver is the care setting. Skilled nursing in a facility is the most expensive option because it includes 24/7 medical supervision, meals, housekeeping, and activities. Assisted living provides housing with support but less medical care, while home care keeps you at home but typically requires 40+ hours per week for a full-time aide.
Geographic location. Costs vary by state and metro area — urban areas and states with higher labor costs price above the national median, while rural areas in the South and Midwest tend to price below. Your location tier adjusts the median to your area.
Inflation and length of care. Because medical costs grow faster than general inflation, the total bill depends on how many years of care you need. The average 65-year-old needs about 3 years, but about 1 in 5 needs more than 5 years, and women typically need care longer than men. Longer horizons mean more compounding inflation — exactly what the year-by-year table shows.
Compare care settings before you commit. Home health aides and homemaker services can be more affordable than facility care when round-the-clock medical attention isn't needed, and adult day care is the least expensive option at roughly $2,020/month. Many families combine adult day care with family caregiving to cut costs while keeping a loved one at home.
Buy long-term care insurance early. Premiums are far lower in your 50s than your 60s, and policies bought before health issues arise are easier to qualify for. A policy purchased at 55 can cost a fraction of the same coverage at 65 — and it protects your savings from exactly the expenses this calculator projects.
Use tax-advantaged accounts and plan for Medicaid. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can pay for qualified long-term care expenses tax-free, and some long-term care premiums are tax-deductible. For those with limited assets, Medicaid covers nursing home care after spend-down requirements, but eligibility varies by state — consult an elder-law attorney or financial advisor before making decisions.
⚠️ Financial Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on national average rates and general assumptions. Actual costs vary by provider, state, level of care, and individual circumstances, and medical inflation rates are not guaranteed. Results are for educational and planning purposes only — not financial, medical, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor or elder-law attorney before making long-term care decisions.
When planning, consider all funding sources together: personal savings, Social Security and pensions, long-term care insurance, health savings accounts, veterans' benefits, and Medicaid where applicable. Review your plan periodically — costs and health needs change quickly.