Navigating care for a parent is an emotional and complicated event, especially when you’re trying to understand how much assisted living costs and what your parent can afford. Here’s what Chris learned from digging into real-life experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- The national average cost of assisted living in 2025 is approximately $4,875 per month, but this varies significantly based on location and level of care.
Monthly fees may not include extras such as medication management or memory care. You should expect additional charges.
Personal stories highlight the importance of budgeting for unexpected expenses and visiting multiple facilities.
The Real Price of Assisted Living: A Son’s Perspective
Chris is a millennial who found himself working with his mom to find an assisted living facility shortly after she had a minor stroke. The stroke left Chris’ mom slightly sluggish, and she wasn’t bouncing back like before. She’d occasionally forget meals in the oven or leave the front door unlocked. When her doctor brought up assisted living, Chris felt a knot in his chest. Concerns of abandoning his mother in a “home” brought on overwhelming waves of guilt.
Chris decided to turn to online communities to explore the available options. He had four key takeaways that informed how he’d go about finding an affordable option that’d set his mom up for an experience everyone would be comfortable with.
Do not choose the cheapest option if it can be avoided. Each facility will have its pros and cons, and it’s essential to evaluate multiple locations for quality while staying within budget.
Determine the radius you’re comfortable traveling. Sometimes, there may be cheaper options out of state.
Ensure you have a clear understanding of what is included in the monthly billing. You don’t want to be caught off guard later after establishing budget expectations.
Think long term. If you’re concerned that your parent may need escalating care as they continue to age, a continuing care retirement community might be worth considering.
What’s the Average Cost of Assisted Living in 2025?
According to the most recent Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national average monthly cost for assisted living is $4,875 as of 2025. This average varies quite a bit depending on where you live in the country.
In addition to the cost of living expenses in your area, the type of facility and level of care can drastically shift this cost. Facilities with memory care units or upscale amenities often charge thousands more.
Average Cost of Assisted Living
| Region | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Midwest | $3,500 – $4,200 |
| West Coast | $5,500 – $7,000+ |
| South | $3,800 – $4,900 |
| Northeast | $5,200 – $6,800 |
What’s Typically Included in the Price of Assisted Living?
Most assisted living communities advertise a “base rate” that typically includes:
- A private or semi-private apartment
- Meals and snacks
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation to appointments
- Social and wellness activities
- Basic help with daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming)
However, just like streaming or cellphone plans, the real costs can come unexpectedly with add-ons.
Additional Monthly Fees and Hidden Costs
This is where you’re most likely to get caught off guard if you haven’t done your homework. The base rate doesn’t always include things like:
- Medication management: $300–$800/month
- Incontinence care: $100–$500/month
- Memory care services: $1,000–$2,500/month
- Third-party physical or occupational therapy
- Community entrance fees: One-time charges ranging from $1,500 to $5,000
Some facilities use tiered care pricing, meaning the more help your parent needs, the higher the monthly cost. Be sure to ask about pricing policies at every facility you visit.
Comparing Assisted Living Facilities
Chris toured six places across two states. Here’s what he looked for:
- Staff-to-resident ratio: Facilities with better ratios felt calmer and more attentive.
- Transparency: If pricing wasn’t crystal clear, it was a red flag.
- Food quality: I always asked to stay for a meal.
- Resident happiness: Chatting with current residents and observing them provided me with genuine insight.
Chris was able to find a mid-sized nonprofit facility that was warm, clean, and didn’t nickel-and-dime residents. The base cost was approximately $5,000 per month, with a transparent pricing structure for additional add-on options.
How to Plan Financially for Assisted Living
If you’re having difficulty budgeting for the large ongoing monthly expense associated with assisted living, there are some available resources:
- Veterans benefits: If your parent served, look into the VA Aid & Attendance program.
- Long-term care insurance: Check to see if your parent has had a long-term care insurance policy. These can help offset some of your monthly expenses.
- Selling a home: Selling any owned real estate, while a tough decision, can provide years of runway for your assisted living budget.
- Family contributions: If the budget is tight, consider asking family members to chip in to a month’s fund. Establish this early on if you know you have three or four years before a budget is exhausted.
- Consult a financial planner: A fixed-rate annuity or reverse mortgage might be worth considering for a fixed monthly revenue stream to help offset monthly expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the cost of assisted living.
It’s about $4,875/month, but ranges from $3,500 in the Midwest to over $7,000 in high-cost areas like California.
Typically room and board, meals, housekeeping, activities, and some personal care. Extras like medication management cost more.
Yes. Be aware of additional fees, such as medication assistance, memory care, or physical therapy. Always ask for a detailed fee sheet.
Sometimes. Facilities may waive entrance fees or offer move-in discounts, especially if occupancy is low.
Some facilities offer Medicaid beds or allow residents to “spend down” assets and stay. Ask about their policy in advance.
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