What long-term care costs
Two numbers matter when you plan: the cost of care, and the cost of the coverage that protects you from it. Both depend on the type of care, your age, and where you live.
The cost of care in 2025
National median costs from the Genworth / CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. Actual prices vary widely by state and metro area.
| Type of care | Rate | Approx. per year |
|---|---|---|
| Home health aide | ~$35 / hour | ~$80,080 (44 hrs/week) |
| Assisted living community | ~$6,200 / month | ~$74,400 |
| Nursing home — semi-private room | ~$315 / day | ~$114,975 |
| Nursing home — private room | Higher | More than a semi-private room |
Source: Genworth / CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, national medians.
Want a number for your own situation? Our cost-of-care calculator estimates the total cost by state, care type, and how many years from now you might need it — free, instant, and the full math is shown.
Why the cost varies
- Type of care. Skilled nursing costs more than personal (custodial) care, and a facility differs from a few hours of help at home.
- Where you live. State and even city rates differ dramatically — the same care can cost twice as much in one metro as another.
- How much you need. A few hours a day costs far less than around-the-clock care.
See long-term care costs by state for median assisted living costs across all 50 states, or how much care costs and who pays.
The cost of coverage
What you pay for a long-term care insurance policy depends mostly on your age and health when you buy and how the policy is designed. Buying younger — often in your 50s or early 60s — generally means lower premiums and a better chance of qualifying. Because policy pricing is so personal, the only way to know your number is a real comparison.
See what coverage could cost for your situation with a free, no-obligation comparison.
Free guide
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