Complete 2026 cost guide with 7 care types and 5-year projections
| Care Type | New Hampshire | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $95/day | $82/day | 16% above |
| Home Health Aide | $30/hr | $27/hr | 11% above |
| Independent Living | $3,939/mo | $2,986/mo | 32% above |
| Assisted Living | $6,053/mo | $4,591/mo | 32% above |
| Memory Care | $7,566/mo | $5,739/mo | 32% above |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $12,845/mo | $11,040/mo | 16% above |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $13,534/mo | $12,235/mo | 11% above |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026. Adult Day = per weekday. Home Aide = per hour (avg 40 hrs/wk = $5,196/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 | $6,053 | $7,566 | $12,845 | $5,196 |
| 2027 | $6,234 | $7,792 | $13,230 | $5,351 |
| 2028 | $6,421 | $8,026 | $13,627 | $5,512 |
| 2029 | $6,614 | $8,267 | $14,036 | $5,677 |
| 2030 | $6,812 | $8,515 | $14,457 | $5,848 |
| 2031 | $7,017 | $8,771 | $14,890 | $6,023 |
Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.
New Hampshire's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is Choices for Independence (CFI). 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 New Hampshire for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are significantly above the national average. Assisted living in New Hampshire averages around $6,053 per month, which is about 32 percent above the national average. Memory care runs about $7,566 per month, while nursing home care averages $12,845 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $30 per hour. These figures may come as a serious financial consideration, but understanding why New Hampshire's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.
New Hampshire's overall cost of living is above the national average. New Hampshire's proximity to Boston and its reputation as a desirable New England state push housing costs above the national median, though the lack of a state income tax and sales tax provides some offset. 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. New Hampshire's healthcare labor market is influenced by proximity to the Boston metro area, where higher-paying opportunities can draw workers across state lines. The state's relatively small population limits the available workforce, and facilities often need to offer competitive packages to retain qualified staff.
New Hampshire maintains a moderately rigorous regulatory framework for senior care. The Department of Health and Human Services enforces licensing standards that reflect the New England tradition of strong consumer protections, though the requirements are somewhat less intensive than in neighboring Massachusetts.
The 65-and-older population in New Hampshire represents about 20 percent of the state's total residents. New Hampshire has an aging population that is growing faster than the national average. The state's attractive quality of life draws retirees, but its relatively small population base means the care provider market is less competitive than in larger states. 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, Maine and Vermont offer lower assisted living costs while Massachusetts runs 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 New Hampshire'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.