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ElderCareCosts

Tools

Affordability Screener

Pick a state and city, and tell us a monthly budget. We show what that budget realistically covers there, using the same published medians as our cost pages. This is not an eligibility determination and not financial advice.

National default

What a monthly budget covers nationally

These bands average published state-level medians across the country. We only compute a national figure once at least five states report one for a care type, so it is never a guess filled in for missing data. Local cost varies a lot by city; pick a state and city above for numbers grounded in that specific market instead of a national average.

Under $2,500/mo

Adult day, family care, or affordable senior housing

Adult day care in the United States runs about $2,557/mo at the median. Income-restricted affordable senior housing (HUD 202, USDA 515, LIHTC, state HFA) is often the real under-$2,500 path when eligibility fits. Check local listings and income caps with the property. Medicaid/waiver paths can stretch a tight budget when eligibility fits.
Affordable senior apartments →
$2,500 – $7,000/mo

Part-time home care or entry assisted living

Part-time home care often lands in this band (full survey month for in-home care is $6,848). Local assisted living median is $6,528/mo. Small homes can sit below that midpoint. Ask about waiver programs if Medicaid may apply.
Medicaid & waiver paths →
$7,000 – $11,000/mo

Assisted living with room to spare

Covers the United States assisted living median ($6,528/mo) comfortably. Or near-full-time home care around the $6,848/mo survey month.
How families pay →
Over $11,000/mo

Nursing care or heavy home-care schedules

Nursing homes in the United States run about $11,029/mo at the median. Round-the-clock home care usually costs more. Compare before deciding.
How families pay →

This screener shows what a budget typically covers. It is not an eligibility determination for Medicaid, HUD, or any other program, and it is not financial advice. Only the administering agency can confirm eligibility. See Medicaid & waiver programs by state.