Have you determined that an assisted living retirement option is the next best step for your loved one?

If so, you’ve probably begun researching care options, comparing costs, and cross-checking care fees against all-inclusive pricing.

But when it’s all said and done, how much does assisted living cost? And is assisted living a practical alternative for your loved one’s current living situation?

Here’s a beginner guide to help better compare current living expenditures to the costs of assisted living care.

Average Cost of Assisted Living

The national average cost of assisted living is $4,500 per month. In comparison, the average expenditure for a household in the U.S. is $5,111.

However, the price can vary greatly depending on location, size of apartments or suites, and the number of services and care required, as well as the quality and amount of amenities.

Location

The cost of assisted living will generally reflect the cost of living in any given area. For example, expect higher average assisted living costs in Boston when compared to Lebanon due to Tennessee’s lower average living costs. 

Convenience is also a factor, so the community’s proximity to grocery stores, shopping malls, parks, and major highways can also influence the cost of rent each month.

Likewise, communities located in rural areas may be less expensive than facilities located in or near major cities.

Below is a table of the average cost of assisted living across 10 Major U.S. Cities.

Location	Average Cost of Assisted Living Per Month
Atlanta, Georgia	$3,845
Austin, Texas	$4,500
Boston, Massachusetts	$6,819
Charlotte, North Carolina	$4,400
Chicago, Illinois	$4,825
Los Angeles, California	$5,250
Nashville, Tennessee	$4,100
New York, New York	$5,750
Omaha, Nebraska	$4,652
Portland, Oregon	$4,975

Size of Housing

Assisted living communities offer a wide array of room sizes, styles, and layouts. In some cases, apartments may include a kitchen and private bathroom in addition to living areas, bedroom, and common gathering spaces such as activities and dining rooms.

Larger suites provide plenty of space for couples, while smaller more quaint rooms are ideal for those wanting a more manageable space.

Apartments can be furnished or unfurnished, pets are sometimes welcomed, and some communities offer all-inclusive care services.

These specifics will ultimately impact the cost of the final cost of month-to-month expenditures.

Amount of Care Services Required

Different individuals require unique care.

And depending on the community, the amount of and frequency of care can impact the total cost of assisted living.

This is why an initial assessment with the Director of Nursing or other healthcare professional is important to communicate the care needs of your aging loved one. Care levels are often specified by the need for a specific diet, nutrition plan, wellness program, therapy, medication assistance, bathing, grooming or personal care needed.

Factors that can impact the cost of the care plan:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Incontinence
• Laundry
• Meal Prep
• Care Coordination
• Housekeeping

Quality and Amount of Amenities

Seniors today are overcoming stereotypes.

They’re physically active, and technologically engaged, and their retirement options are driven by choice.

Cost of assisted living will be impacted by the number of options and amenities offered by the community.

The list of amenities offered at assisted living communities continues to grow:

• Social gathering rooms for entertaining
• Planned activities and outings
• Salons and barber shops
• Church services and devotionals
• Library
• Volunteer opportunities
• Movie Theatres
• Outdoor walking trails
• Fitness and wellness classes

The True Value of Assisted Living

Maintaining independence, reduced stress from home ownership, and great care are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the true value of assisted living.

Residents enjoy a host of benefits and services that create added value in assisted care.

Activities

Daily activities provide residents with more than engagement; it also gives them camaraderie.

And with an ongoing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation disproportionately affecting seniors, a sense of community involvement is vital to staying happy and healthy.

One of the best parts of a senior community is that guests take part in a number of stimulating activities, from sports and games to all-day outings and events.

Not only do they give guests variation in their day-to-day routines, but they also make for great conversation starters at dinner.

For families still caring for loved ones at home, take a look at this hub of resources for activities.

Dining

A good southern-style, home cooked meal is hard to beat.

Unless it’s a nutritious meal that you don’t have to cook.

Preparing meals can become burdensome as we age, especially when trying to stick to certain foods or diets.

Thankfully, dining services not only take care of cooking, they also cater to specific dietary needs and preferences.

And with the rising cost of groceries factored in, there are invaluable savings in communities’ dining services.

Transportation

It’s not uncommon for aging seniors to face mobility issues.

And unfortunately, it’s not always easy for a friend or loved one to assist with transportation needs.

Most assisted living communities provide transportation to medical visits, church services, shopping, as well as various other destinations.

Social Opportunities 

Assisted living creates opportunities to connect to others with shared passions, interests, and beliefs.

Whether it’s a community event, church service, game night, or post-lunch tea, there’s no shortage of opportunities to create lasting memories with others.

Average National Cost of Living

According to, the average monthly expenditure for a typical American household was $5,111, with housing, transportation, and taxes accounting for the largest portion of taxes.

But because the actual costs can be much more, or less depending on your location, a list of most common expenditures to account for when comparing the current cost of living versus assisted living communities includes;

• Housing
• Transportation
• Taxes
• Household utilities and home repairs
• Food
• Social Security, insurance, and pension contributions
• Healthcare
• Entertainment
• Clothing
• Cash contributions
• Education
• Personal care
• Alcohol
• Gym Memberships

Did You Know… Housing is by far the biggest monthly expenditure for Americans; accounting for 21% of an average household’s income.

Many factors influence the average cost of senior living.

Location, size of housing, and quality of service all impact the final cost of care.

However, there’s added value in social engagement, dining options, and assistance with daily activities, amongst other factors.

Are you interested in learning more about senior living in central Tennessee? Visit Hearthside Senior Living today.