Retirement Home vs. In-Home Care Cost Comparison Tool (2025)
Compare annual and lifetime costs of assisted living, nursing homes, and in-home care, adjusted for location, inflation, and level of care.
Costs differ by state
50–90 years
Optional (if aging at home)
This calculator compares realistic, location-based costs of different senior-care options. It helps families estimate how much long-term care will cost, factoring in housing, care intensity, and inflation.
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| State / Region | Up to ±40% difference across U.S. |
| Care Type | In-home hourly rates vs facility all-inclusive rates |
| Care Intensity | High-care patients may need 16–24 hr assistance |
| Housing Costs | Staying at home often cheaper if mortgage-free |
| Inflation | Average 3–5% annual increase in care costs |
| Type | Monthly Cost (Median) | Annual Cost | Inflation Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Care (8 h/day) | $5,200 | $62,400 | +3% / yr |
| Assisted Living | $6,500 | $78,000 | +4% / yr |
| Nursing Home | $9,500 | $114,000 | +4.5% / yr |
Data: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2025
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Care | Familiar environment, flexible hours, family support | May lack full-time medical care |
| Assisted Living | Meals, social life, medical access | Higher fixed monthly fees |
| Nursing Home | 24-hour skilled care | Highest cost, least independence |
Case 1: 72-year-old homeowner in Texas
- In-home (8 h/day): $3,800/mo → $228,000 / 5 yrs
- Assisted Living: $4,500/mo → $270,000 / 5 yrs
→ Savings = $42,000 staying home
Case 2: 80-year-old renting in Florida
- In-home + rent ($5,000 + $1,500) = $6,500/mo
- Assisted Living: $6,000/mo
→ Roughly cost-neutral, but assisted living adds care predictability.
- Account for increasing care needs, costs rise with intensity.
- Use inflation adjustment, health-care inflation outpaces CPI.
- Compare facility ratings & amenities, not just price.
- Blend options, start with home care, transition later.
- Review annually, prices vary yearly.
Q1: Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
A: No, Medicare covers medical, not custodial care.
Q2: How many care hours equal assisted living?
A: Roughly 12–16 hours/day of in-home assistance equals assisted-living support.
Q3: What's the cheapest state for retirement care?
A: Texas, Alabama, and Missouri are among the lowest.
Q4: How to plan for both home and facility options?
A: Use long-term care insurance or hybrid life + LTC policies.