Complete 2026 cost guide with 7 care types and 5-year projections
| Care Type | Arkansas | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $65/day | $82/day | 21% below |
| Home Health Aide | $22/hr | $27/hr | 18% below |
| Independent Living | $2,444/mo | $2,986/mo | 18% below |
| Assisted Living | $3,760/mo | $4,591/mo | 18% below |
| Memory Care | $4,700/mo | $5,739/mo | 18% below |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $7,362/mo | $11,040/mo | 33% below |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $7,942/mo | $12,235/mo | 35% below |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026. Adult Day = per weekday. Home Aide = per hour (avg 40 hrs/wk = $3,810/mo).
Senior care costs have historically increased 3–5% per year. The table below projects costs at 3% annual inflation.
| Year | Assisted Living | Memory Care | Nursing (Semi) | Home Aide (mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $3,760 | $4,700 | $7,362 | $3,810 |
| 2027 | $3,872 | $4,841 | $7,582 | $3,924 |
| 2028 | $3,988 | $4,986 | $7,810 | $4,042 |
| 2029 | $4,108 | $5,135 | $8,044 | $4,163 |
| 2030 | $4,231 | $5,289 | $8,285 | $4,288 |
| 2031 | $4,358 | $5,448 | $8,534 | $4,416 |
Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.
Arkansas's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is ARChoices in Homecare. This program can help cover assisted living and in-home care costs for eligible residents. To qualify, individuals generally must have income below $2,829/month and countable assets below $2,000.
Eligibility rules change frequently. Visit your state Medicaid office or benefits.gov for current requirements.
Our detailed guide covers 8 ways to pay for assisted living.
Read the Full GuideIf you are researching senior care options in Arkansas for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are considerably lower than the national average. Assisted living in Arkansas averages around $3,760 per month, which is roughly 18 percent below the national average. Memory care runs about $4,700 per month, while nursing home care averages $7,362 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $22 per hour. These figures may bring some relief, but understanding why Arkansas's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.
Arkansas's overall cost of living is among the lowest in the United States. Housing is remarkably affordable, utility costs are moderate, and the overall economy operates at a pace that keeps service prices well below coastal averages. These economic fundamentals directly influence what care providers charge, as facility operating costs, from real estate to food service to utilities, are shaped by the same forces that affect household budgets.
The labor market plays a significant role in shaping care costs. Healthcare wages in Arkansas are among the lowest nationally, with CNAs and home health aides typically earning between $11 and $14 per hour. This keeps care costs affordable but contributes to chronic workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas where competition from other low-wage sectors is minimal.
Arkansas maintains a moderate regulatory framework for assisted living and nursing facilities. The state requires licensure through the Department of Health, with staffing standards that balance cost control with resident safety. The regulatory environment is less burdensome than in northeastern states, which contributes to lower operating costs for facilities.
The 65-and-older population in Arkansas represents about 18 percent of the state's total residents. Rural depopulation is a significant challenge across much of the state, and many smaller communities have limited options for senior care, which can force families to look toward Little Rock, Fayetteville, or out of state. Understanding these demographic patterns can help families anticipate how the local care market may evolve in the coming years, including potential changes in availability and pricing.
When compared to neighboring states, Missouri, Mississippi, and Louisiana offer lower assisted living costs while Tennessee, Texas, and Oklahoma run higher. For families weighing whether to explore care options across state lines, these regional differences are worth considering, particularly for those anticipating a longer care journey that could stretch over several years.
See how Arkansas's senior care costs compare to nearby states.
Use our interactive calculator to compare all 7 care types, adjust for care intensity, and project costs over time.
Open the CalculatorData sources: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024 (adjusted to 2026), World Population Review 2026, CareScout 2024, state Medicaid agency publications. Costs represent state medians — individual facility prices will vary. Last updated March 2026.