Assisted Living Cost Calculator
Use this assisted living cost calculator to line up assisted living, Adult Family Home, in-home care, and nursing home quotes side by side. It does not recommend which option is best. For a plain-language guide on prices alone, see How much does assisted living cost.
These calculators provide estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs, reimbursement rates, taxes, staffing requirements, licensing requirements, and profitability can vary by location and individual circumstances. This tool is not financial, legal, tax, licensing, or medical advice. Results are based on entered assumptions.
How it works
- Adult Family Home, assisted living, and nursing home monthly costs use the amounts you enter, plus other monthly costs.
- Home care monthly cost is hourly rate × hours per week × 52 ÷ 12, plus other monthly costs.
- Annual cost is monthly cost × 12 for each option.
- Differences subtract each option from the Adult Family Home monthly and annual totals.
Example using the default assumptions
If an Adult Family Home is $6,500 per month, assisted living is $7,500, home care is $35 per hour for 40 hours a week, and a nursing home is $12,000 per month, the table shows each monthly and annual total and the difference versus the AFH figure. None of those options is labeled best.
Important assumptions
- Quotes vary by location, provider, room type, payer, and care needs.
- Home care hours may increase as needs change; this worksheet uses a constant weekly hour figure.
- The calculator does not include quality, staffing ratios, or clinical appropriateness.
Frequently asked questions
What is an assisted living cost calculator?
It puts assisted living, Adult Family Home, in-home care, and nursing home quotes on one page so you can compare monthly and annual totals. It does not pick a winner.
How much does assisted living cost?
Assisted living quotes vary by city, apartment type, and care level. Enter the monthly amount you were quoted here, or read the assisted living cost guide for context. This calculator does not publish a national average as a fact.
How much does a nursing home cost?
Nursing home (skilled nursing) private-pay quotes are often higher than Adult Family Home or assisted living quotes. Enter the facility quote you have, then compare.
How much does in-home care cost?
In-home care is usually priced per hour. This tool multiplies hourly rate × hours per week × 52 ÷ 12, then adds other monthly costs.
Which care option is best?
This tool does not say. Cost is only one factor. Care needs, setting, location, and family circumstances also matter.
How is home care monthly cost estimated?
Hourly rate × hours per week × 52 weeks ÷ 12 months, then other monthly costs are added.
Does this include Medicaid?
Enter the amount the family would actually pay, or the full private rate if you are comparing private-pay quotes.
Why do Adult Family Home and assisted living prices differ?
Setting, room type, staffing, and included services differ. Ask each provider what is in the quoted rate.
Can I compare a shared AFH room to a private assisted living apartment?
Yes, but enter the actual quotes. The calculator does not adjust for room type automatically except through the numbers you type.
Is this a placement recommendation?
No. It is a cost comparison worksheet.
Need another AFH estimate?
Explore occupancy, staffing, startup costs, Medicaid rates, and other Adult Family Home planning tools. Every calculator is free and works without an account.
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