Complete 2026 cost guide with 7 care types and 5-year projections
| Care Type | North Dakota | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $72/day | $82/day | 12% below |
| Home Health Aide | $27/hr | $27/hr | at average |
| Independent Living | $2,205/mo | $2,986/mo | 26% below |
| Assisted Living | $3,391/mo | $4,591/mo | 26% below |
| Memory Care | $4,239/mo | $5,739/mo | 26% below |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $9,148/mo | $11,040/mo | 17% below |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $9,963/mo | $12,235/mo | 19% below |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026. Adult Day = per weekday. Home Aide = per hour (avg 40 hrs/wk = $4,676/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 | $3,391 | $4,239 | $9,148 | $4,676 |
| 2027 | $3,492 | $4,366 | $9,422 | $4,816 |
| 2028 | $3,597 | $4,497 | $9,705 | $4,960 |
| 2029 | $3,705 | $4,632 | $9,996 | $5,109 |
| 2030 | $3,816 | $4,771 | $10,296 | $5,262 |
| 2031 | $3,931 | $4,914 | $10,605 | $5,420 |
Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.
North Dakota's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is SPED (Service Payments for Elderly & Disabled). 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 North Dakota for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are considerably lower than the national average. Assisted living in North Dakota averages around $3,391 per month, which is roughly 26 percent below the national average. Memory care runs about $4,239 per month, while nursing home care averages $9,148 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $27 per hour. These figures may bring some relief, but understanding why North Dakota's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.
North Dakota's overall cost of living is below the national average. North Dakota's affordable housing, low property taxes, and reasonable utility costs create a favorable environment for care providers to operate at lower price points. 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. North Dakota's low unemployment and small population create a tight labor market for healthcare workers. The energy sector has historically competed for workers, and care facilities in rural areas face particular challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff.
North Dakota's regulatory framework is relatively flexible. The Department of Health and Human Services oversees licensing with requirements that account for the realities of operating in a rural, sparsely populated state. This approach helps keep overhead costs manageable for care providers.
The 65-and-older population in North Dakota represents about 17 percent of the state's total residents. North Dakota's relatively small and dispersed population means that senior care options are concentrated in a few cities, primarily Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Rural residents may need to relocate for institutional care. 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, South Dakota offers lower assisted living costs while Minnesota and Montana 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 North Dakota'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.