How much does a nursing home cost in the United States?
Nursing home care in the US is one of the largest expenses a family will ever face. National medians cross $100,000 a year, and prices vary by more than 3× between states. Here's what to expect, and how the bill is typically paid.
National median costs (2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey)
Semi-private room: about $9,000 per month, or $108,000 per year. Private room: about $10,300 per month, or $124,000 per year. Costs have grown 4–6% per year for the past decade.
Cheapest and most expensive states
Cheapest: Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana — semi-private medians around $5,500–$6,500 per month. Most expensive: Alaska ($35,000+ per month), Hawaii, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts — semi-private medians above $13,000 per month.
What's included in the daily rate
Room, board, meals, basic nursing care, housekeeping, laundry and standard activities. Most homes charge extra for: incontinence supplies beyond a base allowance, beauty/barber, cable TV in some homes, transportation outside scheduled medical trips, and private-duty companions.
Who actually pays
Medicaid pays for about 62% of US nursing home residents. Around 22% pay out-of-pocket (private pay). Medicare covers a small share of short-term skilled stays (10–14%). Long-term care insurance and the VA cover the remainder.
Ways to reduce the cost
Apply for Medicaid as soon as you're eligible. Compare semi-private vs private rooms — semi-private is typically 10–15% less. Consider a Medicaid-certified facility (most are) so you don't have to move if you spend down assets. Look at non-profit and county-run homes, which often have lower base rates and longer wait lists.
Frequently asked questions
Authoritative sources
The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the following official and independent sources. Open any link to verify the latest published numbers.
- Cost of Care Survey 2024
Genworth
- Nursing Home Data Compendium
CMS.gov
- Long-term care planning
AARP
- Medical and dental expenses (Publication 502)
Internal Revenue Service
About this guide
Written and reviewed by the Nursing Home Match editorial team. We update guides at least annually and verify every figure against the official sources listed above. This guide is general information, not personal, medical, financial or legal advice. Always confirm details on Medicare.gov Care Compare (United States) or My Aged Care (Australia), or speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions.