US Nursing Home Costs in 2026: A Complete Price Guide

Understanding how much nursing facilities may cost in 2026 is crucial for families in the United States who are planning long‑term care. Prices can vary widely by state, city, and level of medical support, so it is helpful to look at national estimates and then adjust expectations based on local conditions in your area.

What are estimated monthly nursing home costs in 2026?

Recent national surveys of long‑term care costs suggest that, in 2023, the median monthly cost for a semi‑private room in a skilled nursing facility is a little under 8,000 dollars, while a private room is just over 9,000 dollars. If costs continue to rise a few percent per year, families planning for 2026 may reasonably expect higher figures.

For basic financial planning, many advisors suggest using rough 2026 estimates of about 8,600 to 8,900 dollars per month for a semi‑private room and roughly 9,900 to 10,200 dollars for a private room at the national level. Actual quotes can be significantly higher in high‑cost metropolitan areas and coastal states, and notably lower in parts of the Midwest and South.

What are the main factors affecting the price?

Several key elements drive the monthly price of a nursing facility stay. Location is usually the biggest factor: urban centers and high‑cost states such as New York, California, and Massachusetts often charge thousands more per month than rural communities or lower‑cost states. The type of room also matters, with private rooms commanding a premium over semi‑private rooms.

The level of care needed is another major driver. Residents who require extensive help with activities of daily living, memory care, or complex medical support may face higher monthly fees or add‑on charges. Staffing ratios, facility reputation and quality ratings, rehabilitation services on site, and extra amenities such as private dining rooms, landscaped grounds, or specialized activity programs can all influence the final bill.

What services are typically included in the monthly fee?

Although details differ by facility, the base monthly fee at a nursing facility in the United States usually covers room and board, including a furnished room, utilities, basic linens, and regular meals and snacks. Housekeeping, laundry for linens, and general maintenance of the building are generally included as well.

On the clinical side, the fee typically includes 24‑hour nursing oversight, assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, basic care planning, and routine monitoring of vital signs. Many facilities also include medication administration, access to common areas, and participation in group activities, social events, and some transportation for group medical visits. However, not every health‑related service is bundled into the standard rate.

What other costs do you need to consider?

Beyond the base monthly fee, there are several additional expenses that families often encounter. Physical, occupational, or speech therapy sessions may be billed separately or only partly covered by insurance. Prescription drugs, over‑the‑counter medications, and certain medical supplies may generate separate charges, depending on the resident’s coverage and the facility’s billing practices.

Other potential out‑of‑pocket expenses include personal care items, hairdressing or barber services, podiatry visits, dedicated transportation to individual medical appointments, and charges for specialized equipment such as advanced wheelchairs or custom mattresses. Some facilities also charge admission or assessment fees, fees to hold a bed during a hospital stay, or surcharges for particularly large or upgraded rooms.

Does the government provide financial assistance to cover private accommodation costs?

Government programs can offset some or all of nursing facility costs for qualifying individuals, but they do not simply pay any bill at any private facility. To understand how assistance might fit into a plan, it helps to first look at the scale of the monthly rates many residents face and how they compare across common providers.

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

In the United States, Medicare provides only limited help with nursing facility bills. For eligible individuals after a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare may pay the full cost for a short period and then part of the cost for additional days, but it does not cover long‑term custodial stays. Most residents who remain in a facility for many months rely on a combination of personal funds, long‑term care insurance, and, for those who qualify financially, Medicaid.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that can cover long‑term nursing facility care for people with limited income and assets, provided they meet medical and financial eligibility rules and use facilities that accept Medicaid. In many states, this assistance can apply to both semi‑private and private rooms, although choice of room type may be limited. Veterans and some surviving spouses may also receive support through the Department of Veterans Affairs, either in VA community living centers or in contracted community facilities.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

A careful review of likely monthly charges, add‑on fees, and available public programs can help families estimate what they might pay for nursing facility care in 2026. By combining national cost benchmarks with local research in your area and a clear understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, and other assistance options, individuals and caregivers can build a more realistic and sustainable plan for long‑term care.