Understanding what nursing home care costs in your state is the foundation of any long-term care plan. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive states is enormous, and the numbers are rising faster than general inflation.
National Averages (2026)
Source: CareScout/Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2025, compiled April 2026.
Most Expensive States
- Alaska: $31,620/month private room ($1,040/day)
- Connecticut: ~$19,600/month
- Massachusetts: ~$18,500/month
- New York: ~$17,800/month
- Hawaii: ~$17,100/month
Most Affordable States
- Alabama: $8,668/month private room ($285/day)
- Oklahoma: ~$9,100/month
- Missouri: ~$9,200/month
- Mississippi: ~$9,300/month
- Arkansas: ~$9,500/month
Medicare vs. Medicaid vs. Private Pay
Medicare is not a long-term care payer. It covers 100% of days 1–20 after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay, then requires a $217/day copayment for days 21–100. After day 100, Medicare pays nothing. Most families must transition to Medicaid (which requires spending down most assets first) or private pay.
What's Included in the Rate?
Base rates typically include room, three meals, basic nursing care, and housekeeping. Common add-on charges include physical/occupational therapy, physician visits, medications, incontinence supplies, and specialized dementia programming. Always review the fee schedule in the admission agreement.
Search facilities by state on CareScope and use our comparison tool to view quality ratings alongside cost data.