Memory Care Costs by State (2026)

Compare memory care and dementia care costs across all 50 states and DC

Browse by Care Type

National Average: $5,739/mo

Memory care provides specialized support for seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. These secured communities offer 24/7 supervision, cognitive therapies, and structured routines — at a premium over standard assisted living.

Cheapest State Missouri: $3,750/mo
Most Expensive District of Columbia: $8,722/mo
Cost Range $4,972/mo

Cheapest & Most Expensive States for Memory Care

5 Most Affordable

1. Missouri $3,750/mo
2. South Dakota $4,188/mo
3. North Dakota $4,239/mo
4. Kentucky $4,309/mo
5. Mississippi $4,375/mo

5 Most Expensive

2. Alaska $8,538/mo
3. Rhode Island $8,533/mo
4. Massachusetts $8,125/mo
5. New Jersey $8,119/mo

Memory Care Costs in All 50 States + DC

# State Monthly Cost vs. National Avg Annual Cost
1 Missouri $3,750/mo 35% below $45,000/yr
2 South Dakota $4,188/mo 27% below $50,256/yr
3 North Dakota $4,239/mo 26% below $50,868/yr
4 Kentucky $4,309/mo 25% below $51,708/yr
5 Mississippi $4,375/mo 24% below $52,500/yr
6 Utah $4,375/mo 24% below $52,500/yr
7 Alabama $4,378/mo 24% below $52,536/yr
8 Georgia $4,419/mo 23% below $53,028/yr
9 South Carolina $4,514/mo 21% below $54,168/yr
10 Louisiana $4,685/mo 18% below $56,220/yr
11 Nevada $4,688/mo 18% below $56,256/yr
12 Arkansas $4,700/mo 18% below $56,400/yr
13 Idaho $4,797/mo 16% below $57,564/yr
14 Oklahoma $4,819/mo 16% below $57,828/yr
15 Texas $4,997/mo 13% below $59,964/yr
16 Arizona $5,000/mo 13% below $60,000/yr
17 Florida $5,000/mo 13% below $60,000/yr
18 North Carolina $5,013/mo 13% below $60,156/yr
19 Nebraska $5,096/mo 11% below $61,152/yr
20 Pennsylvania $5,125/mo 11% below $61,500/yr
21 Tennessee $5,131/mo 11% below $61,572/yr
22 West Virginia $5,200/mo 9% below $62,400/yr
23 Wyoming $5,211/mo 9% below $62,532/yr
24 Michigan $5,313/mo 7% below $63,756/yr
25 Indiana $5,353/mo 7% below $64,236/yr
26 Iowa $5,459/mo 5% below $65,508/yr
27 Montana $5,563/mo 3% below $66,756/yr
28 Illinois $5,609/mo 2% below $67,308/yr
29 New Mexico $5,622/mo 2% below $67,464/yr
30 Minnesota $5,634/mo 2% below $67,608/yr
31 Kansas $5,725/mo 0% below $68,700/yr
32 New York $5,725/mo 0% below $68,700/yr
33 Wisconsin $5,750/mo 0% above $69,000/yr
34 Ohio $5,794/mo 1% above $69,528/yr
35 Colorado $5,938/mo 4% above $71,256/yr
36 Maryland $6,125/mo 7% above $73,500/yr
37 Oregon $6,306/mo 10% above $75,672/yr
38 Connecticut $6,412/mo 12% above $76,944/yr
39 California $6,563/mo 14% above $78,756/yr
40 Vermont $6,563/mo 14% above $78,756/yr
41 Virginia $6,563/mo 14% above $78,756/yr
42 Hawaii $6,719/mo 17% above $80,628/yr
43 Maine $7,331/mo 28% above $87,972/yr
44 Delaware $7,494/mo 31% above $89,928/yr
45 Washington $7,500/mo 31% above $90,000/yr
46 New Hampshire $7,566/mo 32% above $90,792/yr
47 New Jersey $8,119/mo 42% above $97,428/yr
48 Massachusetts $8,125/mo 42% above $97,500/yr
49 Rhode Island $8,533/mo 49% above $102,396/yr
50 Alaska $8,538/mo 49% above $102,456/yr
51 District of Columbia $8,722/mo 52% above $104,664/yr

Ranked cheapest to most expensive. Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024, adjusted to 2026.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care facilities are specialized residential communities designed for seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. They provide a secured environment to prevent wandering, along with specially trained staff who understand the unique challenges of memory loss.

Services typically include 24/7 supervision, structured daily routines, cognitive stimulation activities, assistance with all daily living tasks, medication management, and behavioral support. Staff-to-resident ratios are higher than standard assisted living.

Memory care costs average about 25% more than standard assisted living due to the specialized staff training, higher staffing ratios, secured building features, and therapeutic programming required. Many families transition a loved one from assisted living to memory care as cognitive decline progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does memory care cost per month in 2026?
The national average cost of memory care in 2026 is $5,739 per month ($68,868 per year). This is approximately 25% more than standard assisted living ($4,591/mo) due to specialized dementia care staff and secured facilities.
What is the difference between memory care and assisted living?
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's or dementia. It includes secured entrances/exits to prevent wandering, higher staff-to-resident ratios, cognitive therapy programs, and staff trained in dementia care techniques. Standard assisted living does not typically offer these specialized services.
Does Medicaid pay for memory care?
Some states offer Medicaid waiver programs that can help cover memory care costs for eligible residents. Coverage varies significantly by state. Medicare does not cover memory care. Other options include long-term care insurance, VA Aid & Attendance benefits, and life insurance conversions.
When should someone move to memory care?
Signs that memory care may be needed include frequent wandering or getting lost, inability to manage medications safely, significant personality changes, difficulty with basic daily tasks, safety concerns at home, and caregiver burnout. A doctor's assessment can help determine the right time.
What is the cheapest state for memory care?
The most affordable states for memory care are typically in the South and Midwest, with costs well below the $5,739/mo national average. States like Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas tend to offer the lowest memory care rates.

Compare Memory Care Costs

Use our interactive calculator to compare all 7 care types and project costs over time.

Open the Calculator

More Resources

Data 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.