Complete 2026 cost guide with 7 care types and 5-year projections
| Care Type | Tennessee | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $72/day | $82/day | 12% below |
| Home Health Aide | $24/hr | $27/hr | 11% below |
| Independent Living | $2,671/mo | $2,986/mo | 10% below |
| Assisted Living | $4,105/mo | $4,591/mo | 11% below |
| Memory Care | $5,131/mo | $5,739/mo | 11% below |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $9,399/mo | $11,040/mo | 15% below |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $10,151/mo | $12,235/mo | 17% below |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026. Adult Day = per weekday. Home Aide = per hour (avg 40 hrs/wk = $4,156/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 | $4,105 | $5,131 | $9,399 | $4,156 |
| 2027 | $4,228 | $5,284 | $9,680 | $4,280 |
| 2028 | $4,354 | $5,443 | $9,971 | $4,409 |
| 2029 | $4,485 | $5,606 | $10,270 | $4,541 |
| 2030 | $4,620 | $5,774 | $10,578 | $4,677 |
| 2031 | $4,758 | $5,948 | $10,896 | $4,817 |
Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.
Tennessee's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is CHOICES in Long-Term Services & Supports. 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 Tennessee for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are below the national average. Assisted living in Tennessee averages around $4,105 per month, which is roughly 11 percent below the national average. Memory care runs about $5,131 per month, while nursing home care averages $9,399 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $24 per hour. These figures may offer some comfort, but understanding why Tennessee's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.
Tennessee's overall cost of living is below the national average. While Nashville has experienced rapid cost increases, much of the state remains quite affordable, with housing and general expenses running below the national median. 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. Tennessee's healthcare labor market offers moderate wages, with CNAs and home health aides earning slightly below the national average. The Nashville area has a more competitive market due to the presence of major healthcare companies headquartered there, while rural Tennessee faces typical staffing challenges.
Tennessee's regulatory framework is moderate. The Department of Health oversees licensing for senior care facilities with reasonable staffing requirements. The state's CHOICES program has been particularly effective in creating a managed care framework for long-term services that helps control costs.
The 65-and-older population in Tennessee represents about 18 percent of the state's total residents. Tennessee has seen significant growth in its senior population, particularly in the Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga metro areas. The state's appeal as a retirement destination is growing due to its moderate costs and lack of state income tax. 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, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri offer lower assisted living costs while Virginia 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 Tennessee'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.