The Cost of Residential Care Homes: A State-By-State Guide

The national monthly median starting cost of rent in a residential care home for the elderly is $5,500 for a private room and $4,500 for a semi-private room.^[01] As with other senior living options, location, care services provided, and room type affect the total cost.

The following table provides the monthly median cost of rent in a residential care home in most U.S. states, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary cost data.

*Fewer than 10 communities with these rooms reported cost data.

Let our care assessment guide you

The base fee and other upfront costs of a room in a care home usually include:

• Meals, snacks, and drinks
• Housekeeping, maintenance, and sometimes laundry
• Transportation for doctor appointments
• Activities such as arts and crafts and group celebrations
• Medication management

Typically, the base monthly fee in a care home also includes the cost of personal care assistance that your loved one may need, such as help with the following activities of daily living (ADLs):

• Bathing/showering
• Dressing
• Eating
• Ambulating
• Toileting
• Incontinence care

What other factors affect the monthly bill at a residential care home?

Some care homes offer 24-hour caregiver assistance, while others have limited assistance for residents at night. Care homes usually charge an additional fee to provide on-site caregiver help at night.

While many care homes include the cost of activities and outings in their base monthly fees, some may charge extra. Some care homes may also charge extra for additional services, such as administering medication. The national median medication administration fee in residential care homes is $300 per month.^[01]

Do unlicensed care homes cost less than licensed ones?

There’s not much data available on the cost of unlicensed care homes compared with licensed homes. Generally, licensed care professionals are paid more than unlicensed caregivers, but it’s not necessarily the case that licensed care homes cost more than those that don’t have a license.

Many states regulate care homes, and the rules — including requirements for staff and facility licensing — vary by state. In some states, residential care homes may be required to meet regulations for assisted living communities. Other states may make a greater distinction between assisted living and residential care homes. Check with your loved one’s state to learn whether (and how) it regulates care homes.

As you tour care homes, ask the following questions to learn more about their costs:

• Could you show me a breakdown of what’s included in the monthly bill?
• Are activities and outings billed separately?
• Do you charge more for residents who need a higher level of care? If so, how often do you evaluate a resident’s needs?
• Which care services are included in the monthly bill, and which are charged a la carte?
• How do you charge for internet access, phone service, and cable?
• Do you provide medical services or overnight care? If so, how much do you charge for those services?

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

Residential care homes can be less costly than other types of senior living because they’re smaller and typically have fewer staff.  The figures below show national median costs across common types of senior living communities and provide high-level context as you compare options. Actual costs can vary based on location, services, and care needs.

• Independent living: $3,200 per month
• Assisted living: $5,419 per month
• Memory care: $6,690 per month

These national figures are meant to offer perspective, not a full cost breakdown. Each type of senior living includes different services and pricing factors. For a closer look at what drives costs and what’s typically included, explore our full guides on the cost of assisted living, the cost of memory care, and the cost of independent living. Comparing these details can help you determine which option best fits your loved one’s needs and your family’s budget.

Families often pay for senior care with a combination of private funds, insurance, and benefits, such as:

• Savings and retirement income
• Long-term care insurance
• Proceeds from the sale of a home
• Social Security benefits
• Veterans benefits

Residential care homes typically advertise less than larger assisted living communities, so they can be harder to find. If you’d like some help connecting with residential care homes in your loved one’s area, consider working with A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors. Our experts can guide you through choosing the right senior living option for your loved one. They’ll consider their care needs, lifestyle, and budget to help find a solution — all at no cost to your family.