Providing round-the-clock, comprehensive medical care for older adults with chronic conditions and complex medical needs, nursing homes are one of the most expensive long-term care options. Several factors, including the state’s cost of living, labor expenses, and demand, influence nursing home rates. Referencing government data and industry surveys, specifically the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2025, this article provides a list of nursing home costs by state to guide older adults and families in their long-term care planning. 

National Overview

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau projected that by 2040, the aging population would reach 80 million, further increasing the demand and labor costs for senior care. Nursing home care costs average from $9197 to $10,326 per month, as reported by the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2025. The national median rate differs based on the type of room, as shown:

• Semi-private room – $9,197 per month or $302 per day and $110,360 per year, which exhibits a 4.4% increase from 2023 to 2025. 
• Private room – $10,326 per month or $339 per day and $123,913 per year, reflecting a 4.9% increase from 2023. 

Nursing home costs vary by state and are widely affected by several factors, as exemplified by Alaska being most expensive due to its remote location, and Texas and Missouri having relatively affordable rates due to their lower cost of living. 

Factors Influencing Nursing Home Costs

• Room type – as observed, semi-private rooms are cheaper by 10 to 15% than private rooms. 
• Level of Care – medical or specialized care, like memory care, therapy, diabetic care, increases costs. 
• Amenities – more luxurious and extensive amenities or concierge services also require higher costs. 
• Labor Costs – the shortage of nurses and care professionals in each state increases the rate for nursing care. 
• Location – the remoteness, accessibility, and opportunities in a state affect its cost of living and services, as exemplified by Alaska, Connecticut, and Hawaii having higher nursing home costs. 

State-by-State Nursing Home Costs (2025)

Referencing the Genworth 2025 Cost of Care Survey, alongside sources like SeniorLiving.org, Statista, and World Population Review, we provide a comprehensive table of state-by-state average monthly and estimated annual rates for a private and semi-private room in a nursing home. 

Notably, Northeastern and Western States like Maine and California have higher costs, while Midwest and Southeast states like Alabama and Arkansas are relatively more affordable. Among these states, Alaska is the most expensive, while Texas is the least expensive. 

As shown, Alaska costs significantly more, with costs ranging from $31,512 to $36,378 monthly, translating to $378,144 to $436,000 annually for a semi-private and private room. This can be attributed to the state’s remote location, relatively small labor opportunities, and high cost of living. Following behind are Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, which cost around $12,000 to $14,356 monthly, showcasing the influence of urban density and high living expenses on nursing home costs. 

On the other hand, Texas has the cheapest rates, with $5,125 monthly for a semi-private room, reflecting the state’s lower cost of living and plenty of facilities. Missouri, Oklahoma, and Louisiana follow closely with costs ranging from $5,262 to $5,579 per month for a semi-private room, influenced by lower real estate and labor rates. 

Funding Options

Government benefits and other funding options can help offset the high nursing home rates. 

• Medicare
  • It can cover up to 100 days of post-hospitalization for skilled nursing, but does not cover long-term care. 
• Medicaid
  • Eligible individuals with assets lower than $2,000, a monthly income lower than $2,901, as per the American Council on Aging, can offset nursing home costs of up to 45 to 65%. Medicaid also covers semi-private rooms in certified facilities, which are 90% of US nursing homes. 
• Veterans Benefits
  • Offers up to $2,300 monthly for veterans or $1,478 monthly for surviving spouses through the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit.
• Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Most long-term insurance covers nursing home costs, although premiums vary by age and coverage. 
• Tax Deductions
  • Nursing home costs for medical reasons are deductible, especially those exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income. 
• Personal Savings/ Reverse Mortgages
  • Although savings deplete quickly at $108,000+ per year, it still helps bridge gaps, though not for the long term. 

In comparison,

• Assisted living costs around $5,900 on average per month in 2025, ideal for those needing less intensive care. 
• 24/7 in-home care may cost more than nursing homes, with $21,823 to $24,006 per month, but allows aging in place. 
• Memory care costs more than assisted living, with $7,500 to $10,000 monthly, but may provide specialized care, especially for cognitive impairments. 

Planning Tips

• Research locally – since costs vary by state, it is crucial to know the range at your desired destination. Contact providers for precise quotes. 
• Explore funding eligibility – optimize resources and plan accordingly. 
• Compare room types – while private rooms cost more, they can provide better privacy for those prioritizing it. 
• Utilize VA benefits – Veterans may reach out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligibility. 
• Monitor trends – since demand continues to grow, costs are also projected to increase at 3% annually, reaching $11,650 per month by 2033 for semi-private rooms. 

Conclusion

Planning is crucial to prevent overspending and allow better care, especially with the continuous increase in costs. With a national median of $9,197 to $10,326 monthly, nursing homes are one of the expensive options for long-term care, driven by care provided, location, and labor shortages. Knowing state-specific rates and eligibility provides a better picture of how to offset expenses, especially with government programs, like Medicaid and VA benefits, and private insurance and savings. For better planning, consult resources like Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey (www.genworth.com), Medicare.gov, or the U.S. Administration on Aging (www.acl.gov).