Complete 2026 cost guide with 7 care types and 5-year projections
| Care Type | Wisconsin | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Care | $78/day | $82/day | 5% below |
| Home Health Aide | $27/hr | $27/hr | at average |
| Independent Living | $2,990/mo | $2,986/mo | 0% above |
| Assisted Living | $4,600/mo | $4,591/mo | 0% above |
| Memory Care | $5,750/mo | $5,739/mo | 0% above |
| Nursing Home (Semi-Private) | $10,370/mo | $11,040/mo | 6% below |
| Nursing Home (Private) | $11,592/mo | $12,235/mo | 5% 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 | $4,600 | $5,750 | $10,370 | $4,676 |
| 2027 | $4,738 | $5,922 | $10,681 | $4,816 |
| 2028 | $4,880 | $6,100 | $11,001 | $4,960 |
| 2029 | $5,026 | $6,283 | $11,331 | $5,109 |
| 2030 | $5,177 | $6,471 | $11,671 | $5,262 |
| 2031 | $5,332 | $6,665 | $12,021 | $5,420 |
Projected at 3% annual inflation. Home Aide monthly assumes 40 hours/week. Actual costs may vary.
Wisconsin's Medicaid program for home and community-based services is Family Care / IRIS. 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 Wisconsin for a parent or loved one, you will find that costs here are close to the national average. Assisted living in Wisconsin averages around $4,600 per month, which is about 0 percent above the national average. Memory care runs about $5,750 per month, while nursing home care averages $10,370 for a semi-private room. Home health aides typically charge around $27 per hour. These figures may seem expected, but understanding why Wisconsin's costs sit where they do can help you plan more effectively for the years ahead.
Wisconsin's overall cost of living is near the national average. Wisconsin offers a mix of moderately priced metropolitan areas like Milwaukee and Madison alongside very affordable rural communities, resulting in care costs near 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. Wisconsin's healthcare labor market is moderately competitive, with wages for care workers falling near national averages. The Milwaukee and Madison areas offer higher compensation, while rural communities face typical recruitment challenges. The state has invested in healthcare workforce development programs.
Wisconsin has a moderately progressive regulatory framework for senior care. The Department of Health Services enforces licensing standards that balance quality with affordability. The Family Care and IRIS programs have been nationally recognized for their innovative approach to community-based long-term care.
The 65-and-older population in Wisconsin represents about 19 percent of the state's total residents. Wisconsin's senior population is growing steadily, with Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay serving as the primary centers for senior care. Rural communities, particularly in the northern part of the state, face access challenges. 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, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan offer lower assisted living costs. 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 Wisconsin'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.