Nine States With the Most Affordable Assisted Living

9. Louisiana

The Pelican State is renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and the diverse music and cuisine of cities like New Orleans. While the cost of living varies greatly by region, the median monthly expense for assisted living in Louisiana is currently estimated at $5,100. This rate is well below the national average.

Fortunately, Louisiana’s Department of Health offers programs to help eligible residents manage these costs. Specifically, the OAAS Home and Community-Based Services program can provide services and supports that allow adults to stay in their homes or receive care in community-based settings.2

8. Georgia

It’s a peach of a time to stay in Georgia assisted living communities, owing to their relatively low cost. At $4,940 per month as of 2024, Georgia comes in as the eighth lowest in the nation, with similarly advantageous adult day care costs of $100 per day.

Georgia Medicaid plans are administered through Georgia Families and other managed care organizations. Check their website for current eligibility requirements and coverage options to see if you qualify for benefits.3

7. Kentucky

The Bluegrass State, situated right between the Ohio River and the Appalachian Mountains, is famous for its horse races, baseball, and fried chicken. You can also consider its assisted living costs as another plus, as Kentucky ranks seventh in affordability at $4,900 per month.

Kentucky offers multiple types of Medicaid, depending on income level and family size, as well as whether you take Supplemental Security Income or have a disability. Visit the website of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for more information on how these benefits can help pay for care.4

6. Arkansas

Affectionately nicknamed “The Natural State,” Arkansas is a beautiful blend of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, dense forests, and clear lakes. It consistently boasts one of the nation’s lowest costs of living, a key financial benefit for retirees. The median monthly cost for assisted living in Arkansas is approximately $4,724, placing it below the national average and making it a competitive choice in the South.

For those on Medicaid, Arkansas offers a variety of long-term services and supports that can help adults living at home and those living in community settings. Visit the Arkansas Department of Human Services website to learn more.5

5. Utah

Utah has a moderate cost of living and stretches across mountains and canyons as far as the eye can see. It also comes in at No. 5 on our list of affordable assisted living costs, with facilities averaging $4,685 per month as of 2024.

Like most states, Utah offers Medicaid services that can help pay for home care or assisted living. Check their Health & Human Services department to learn more.6

4. Idaho

Known as the Gem State, Idaho offers majestic mountain ranges, vast wilderness areas, and a vibrant culture, particularly in its capital, Boise. For seniors considering a move here, Idaho provides a more manageable financial outlook for long-term care compared to many other states. The median monthly cost for assisted living in Idaho is estimated at $4,600, placing it well below the national average.

Idaho’s primary assistance program for seniors requiring residential care is provided through Medicaid. While this service does not cover the cost of room and board (rent and food), it is vital in covering the care services provided in a residential assisted living facility, such as personal care, medication assistance, and service coordination. Visit the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare website to learn more.7

3. Alabama

Alabama has been nicknamed “The Heart of Dixie” since the Civil War. One of the most hospitable things about it these days is how far below the national average its assisted living costs are.

At $4,573 per month on average as of 2024, Alabama earns its spot at number seven. Additionally, Alabama Medicaid offers coverage for assisted living services for eligible seniors. Visit their government Medicaid site to see if you qualify for even lower assisted living costs.8

2. Mississippi

Mississippi is nicknamed “The Hospitality State,” so it’s fitting that it would factor into this list of the nation’s lowest assisted living costs. At $4,445 per month on average as of 2024, Mississippi maintains some of the most affordable rates in the country.

The Mississippi Medicaid office offers nursing facilities reimbursement, long-term care admission screening, and more for qualified seniors to further lower costs.9

1. South Dakota

South Dakota may be most famous for Mount Rushmore, but it deserves more recognition for its affordable care services, as many seniors rely on them. Its assisted living costs average $4,350 per month as of 2024, making it the nation’s most affordable state for assisted living.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers low-income or disabled seniors additional resources through Medicaid. Visit their website to see if you qualify.10

What Contributes to These Low Costs?

Based on historical trends, assisted living costs are expected to continue rising in the coming years.

There are several reasons for the increase in long-term care costs, including the availability of workers after the pandemic and rising operational expenses, which impact the cost of maintaining assisted living facilities.

Therefore, states that are able to stay below the national average for assisted living costs are likely those with a combination of a healthy housing market and a stable population of seniors whose demand for care can be met by the available labor.