Nursing Home Costs in 2026: What You Need to Know
Nursing home care is the most expensive long-term care option in the United States. According to the 2026 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median cost for a private room in a skilled nursing facility is $10,646 per month ($127,752 per year). Semi-private rooms are slightly cheaper at $9,500/month, but still represent a massive financial burden.
What drives costs: (1) Geography — costs in CT, MA, AK are 2× the national average; (2) Room type — private costs 12% more; (3) Care level — skilled nursing costs more than custodial; (4) Urban vs. rural — urban costs 20–40% more.
Related: Try our Monthly Cost Calculator to get a baseline estimate for your state.
Medicare coverage: Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing after a 3-day hospital stay, with strict conditions. Long-term custodial care is NOT covered. After day 100, you pay 100% out-of-pocket unless you have LTC insurance or qualify for Medicaid.
Related tools: Assisted Living | Memory Care
🏥 Nursing Home Cost Comparison
Data source: 2026 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Actual facility quotes may vary.
FAQ
National median: $10,646/month for private room. Range: $6,800 (MS) to $17,000+ (AK, CT, MA).
Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing after 3-day hospital stay. Long-term custodial care is NOT covered.
Skilled nursing provides 24/7 medical care (RNs). Assisted living provides help with ADLs but not skilled medical care. Cost: nursing home ~$10,646/mo vs. assisted living ~$5,511/mo.