At Kingsley Senior Living, we believe that it’s vital to plan for your loved one’s evolving health and care needs. Among various essentials is choosing between the different available senior living options, where they get the necessary care and support for daily living. Assisted living is best for those who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). But what about the cost of such settings? Would public programs, such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), be eligible for this type of financial assistance?

Don’t worry! Today, we’re sharing a blog that breaks down the costs of assisted living. We’ll see the factors that influence the cost of senior living, how the price is actually distributed, and the possible methods of paying for this help.

Average Cost And Factors Influencing Assisted Living Costs

While the national median cost of assisted living in 2025 is estimated to be around $6,129 per month and about $73,548 per year, it’s worth noting that not every setting charges the same amount. The exact cost that an individual needs to pay depends on multiple factors that are explained below.

Geographic Location

Assisted living costs vary dramatically by state. Areas with higher living costs will see higher prices. For instance, Hawaii and Alaska are some of the states where costs of assisted living are the highest, whereas Mississippi and Missouri possess some of the lowest rates. Costs can also vary within a single state.

Level Of Care

Individuals needing more care will likely pay more. That means those requiring higher levels of assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating, will need to pay more as a monthly fee.

Apartment Size

Assisted living apartments vary in size, layout, and purpose, and range from cost-effective shared units to specialized memory care rooms. Shared spaces will likely cost less than a private two-bedroom apartment.

Amenities

Amenities not only decide a resident’s living experience but also the amount they will be paying as a fee. Luxury communities with extensive amenities like gourmet dining, pools, and on-site salons will be more expensive, whereas modest, older settings may charge less.

Pricing Structure

Assisted living communities have different pricing structures. While one may charge an all-inclusive fee, others may follow a tiered pricing structure based on the services offered. Or an À la carte model could be followed, consisting of a base fee for housing and additional services billed separately.

What Is Typically Included In The Cost Of Assisted Living?

The total cost can be broadly categorized into two categories, i.e., what you pay as a monthly base fee and what you pay for those extras. Here’s a brief overview of them.

Monthly Fee

  • Housing and utilities, such as electricity, water, and heating.
  • Three meals a day, often prepared by chefs.
  • Weekly housekeeping and laundry services.
  • Planned activities, wellness programs, and social events.
  • Maintenance and 24/7 security.

Potential Extra Fees (May Not Be Covered By The Base Fee)

  • Community Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee that the community charges upon move-in.
  • Medication Management: Additional monthly fees that the staff charges to administer prescriptions.
  • Specialized Services: Additional costs apply for specialized memory care, therapies (including physical or occupational therapy), and catering to specific dietary needs.
  • Personal Services: Taking services like salon appointments or personal laundry requires an extra charge.
  • Second-Person Fee: Couples living together need to pay a specific fee for the second resident, covering meals and services.
  • Annual Increases: Communities may raise their rates annually.

How To Pay For Assisted Living?

For some, paying for assisted living might not look like a big deal, while for others it may be a significant investment. Without planning for financing, such a considerable move can put your finances at risk, ultimately leading to a subpar living experience. To avoid this, consider various available financing options for covering the costs of assisted living.

Private Funds

Most people often decide to pay funds out of their pockets that may come from their investments, personal savings, pensions, social security, or other sources of income.

Home Equity

The senior may sell the house right away or use a reverse mortgage to get the required cash for assisted living costs. Using a reverse mortgage, seniors can convert their home equity into cash without having to sell their home.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Those who have taken out a long-term care insurance policy that offers assisted living coverage may benefit from it. It’s worth noting that benefits and coverage vary by policy.

Veterans’ Benefits

While the VA doesn’t directly pay for assisted living, eligible wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify for Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits. These programs provide extra monthly pension payments that can help cover care costs.

Medicaid

This government-led program for low-income individuals may also cover some of the assisted living costs in certain states, often through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Unlike Medicare, it can cover custodial care; however, eligibility is strict and varies by state.

Life Insurance

Some life insurance policies let you access money early through options like accelerated death benefits or life settlements, which can help pay for assisted living or other long-term care costs.

Negotiation

Some assisted living communities, notably smaller, family-owned ones, may offer a discount on the monthly rate. They may also waive the entrance fee, so it’s worth asking if any special arrangements are available.

Kingsley Senior Living—A Haven For Your Aging Loved One

At Kingsley Senior Living, we understand that it’s essential for families to plan for their loved one’s assisted living. The information above clearly explains how assisted living costs are broken down and the possible options that families can use to pay for such care settings. Remember, the price is influenced by factors such as location, residency size, amenities available, and other factors.

While it’s necessary to plan for the financing, what’s equally important is choosing the right assisted living option. You have to select an option that puts the resident at the center of their care approach. And this is what you get with us at Kingsley Senior Living. We operate with a resident-first approach. What matters the most for us is providing the best possible support to all those we serve.

In our community, residents get a homelike environment with proper care facilities that help them lead a life with dignity and respect. Contact us to get more information on how our care plans would benefit your aging loved one.